PSG 2-0 Brest: 5 Talking Points as Kylian Mbappe shines for Les Parisiens | Ligue 1 2021-22

Kylian Mbappe in action. (Image: Paris Saint-Germain Twitter)
Kylian Mbappe in action. (Image: Paris Saint-Germain Twitter)

PSG beat Brest 2-0 in Ligue 1 on Saturday, thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Thilo Kehrer.

The visitors had a great start to the game before the hosts started asserting their dominance. Brest tried to hold their ground, but could not do anything to stop Mbappe from opening the scoring.

The Frenchman smacked a low shot from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute. Kehrer then doubled PSG's advantage after the restart, following some brilliant work by Nuno Mendes on the flanks.

The win takes PSG 11 points clear at the top after 21 games. On that note, here's a look at five talking points from the game:


#5 Sergio Ramos makes his Parc des Princes debut

Sergio Ramos makes his home debut. (Image: Paris Saint-Germain Twitter)
Sergio Ramos makes his home debut. (Image: Paris Saint-Germain Twitter)

Sergio Ramos made his first appearance at the Parc des Princes since signing for PSG last summer. Ramos replaced Angel Di Maria in the 71st minute to make his home debut for Les Parisiens.

The Spain international had to wait a long time for this opportunity due to persistent injuries and fitness issues. Now that he is back, manager Mauricio Pochettino will hope for Ramos to replicate his Real Madrid performances for his new team as well.

Ramos made all his attempted passes after coming on, and also made two clearances to help keep PSG's citadel intact.


#4 PSG experiment with a three-man backline

Mauricio Pochettino tried a three-man backline against Brest.
Mauricio Pochettino tried a three-man backline against Brest.

Mauricio Pochettino implemented a three-man backline after Sergio Ramos arrived in the second half. The Spaniard joined Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe at the heart of PSG's defence. Following the switch in formation, the hosts looked more balanced both offensively and defensively.

The change allowed Kehrer and Mendes to advance high up the pitch with freedom. That also allowed PSG's midfield to outnumber their visitors in the centre of the park. It will be interesting to see how things work out when Achraf Hakimi returns to action from international duty.

#3 Marco Bizot keeps Brest in the game

Marco Bizot made some great saves against PSG.
Marco Bizot made some great saves against PSG.

Marco Bizot may have conceded twice against PSG, but had a great game otherwise. The scoreline would have been much more emphatic for the hosts, had it not been for Bizot's interventions. He made a flurry of saves to deny the hosts on many occasions.

He could have positioned himself better for Mbappe's opener, but, he was rock-solid otherwise. The Brest custodian made six saves on the night, with some of them being absolutely stunning.


#2 PSG's Nuno Mendes is a special talent

Nuno Mendes had a great game against Brest. (Image: PSG Twitter)
Nuno Mendes had a great game against Brest. (Image: PSG Twitter)

Nuno Mendes had an impressive outing against Brest. Although he struggled defensively on a few occasions, he sizzled going forward. His move to skip past Ronael Pierre-Gabriel before setting up Kehrer was mesmerising, as Mendes completely bamboozled the Frenchman.

Mendes is showing why Les Parisiens brought him on last summer. The Portuguese won three duels and two tackles, made seven recoveries, and created four chances in the game.

Still only 19, Mendes has already made 18 appearances for his new team, becoming a first-team regular.


#1 Kylian Mbappe produces a Man of the Match performance

Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal. (Image: PSG Twitter)
Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal. (Image: PSG Twitter)

With Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr out with COVID-19 and ankle injury respectively, Kylian Mbappe was tasked with leading PSG's attack. The Frenchman did that with aplomb, and was in his elements against Brest

The 23-year-old scored the opening goal with a low-lying shot from the edge of the box. He now has 18 goals for the season, with nine of them coming in the league. The Frenchman is three behind Jonathan David in the race for the Golden Boot, though. Mbappe also has 17 assists for the season, including eight in Ligue 1.

The attacker won nine duels, completed six dribbles, won one tackle, and made two recoveries throughout the game. He also created four chances for his team against Brest on Saturday.

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Edited by Bhargav
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