Mauro Icardi scored a hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain secured a comprehensive 5-0 win over Angers to reach the semi-finals of Coupe de France.
Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France with a thumping 5-0 win over SCO Angers. It was a comfortable victory for the reigning French champions as they continue their excellent performances in cup competitions.
PSG were by far the better side in this rather one-sided affair, but although the scoreline may suggest otherwise, Angers were actually quite impressive going forward. They tried to create goalscoring opportunities and even probed the PSG backline, although their ineffective nature in front of goal did cost them in the end.
Indeed, Les Parisiens secured their opener inside ten minutes through Mauro Icardi, before an own goal from Vincent Monceau doubled their lead. While Angers do deserve credit for throwing men forward, two second half goals in quick succession from Neymar and Icardi sealed the victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
There was still time for another goal, as Icardi completed his hat-trick in the dying embers of the game, adding more gloss to the scoreline. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the PSG players in their comfortable victory over Angers in this Coupe de France quarter-final.
Sergio Rico: 7/10
Sergio Rico had a surprisingly busy game against the Angers attack in between the sticks. Although the PSG goalkeeper was not particularly forced into making too many good saves, he had to remain cautious as the opposition did try to probe the backline in search of goalscoring opportunities. An improvement over his performance against Saint-Etienne last time out.
– Neymar first goal since January
– Icardi hat-trick
– Di Maria rabona assistPSG hit five past Angers to reach the Coupe de France semi-finals ? pic.twitter.com/EG9l9mMoZ0
— Goal (@goal) April 21, 2021
Colin Dagba: 7.5/10
One of the biggest takeaways from Colin Dagba’s performance against Angers was his willingness to make darting runs forward. It kept the opposition busy, with the right-back also playing a vital role in the build-up to the second goal. It was an excellent performance overall from Dagba, who is likely to get the nod ahead of Manchester City in the upcoming Champions League fixture.
Danilo Pereira: 6.5/10
Danilo Pereira did not look too comfortable at the heart of the PSG defence, without the support of Marquinhos or Presnel Kimpembe. It made the job a little too difficult for the Portuguese, who was tested way too often by the Angers attack. He was lucky, in the end, to not play a part in conceding a goal.
Thilo Kehrer: 6/10
Thilo Kehrer could not capitalise on his performance against Saint-Etienne, often looking shaky at the back alongside Danilo. He did enjoy a rather supreme first half, although the former Schalke star does need to apply more reassurance in his defensive game. Solid in the build-up, though.
Mitchell Bakker: 6.5/10
Mitchell Bakker had a somewhat active game on the left flank. He was involved in PSG’s build-up play, although some may criticise him for not offering too much in possession. The youngster did look sharp, though, before eventually making way for Layvin Kurzawa late in the game. Still has room for improvement.
Leandro Paredes: 6/10
Leandro Paredes could not quite dominate the game, particularly because he often struggles to change his mentality against Ligue 1 clubs. The Argentine was often very passive in his game, thus leading to a dearth of creativity, at times. The player himself had a really quiet game, after making his return from suspension.
Idrissa Gueye: 6.5/10
Idrissa Gueye was decent at the base of PSG’s 4-2-3-1. The former Everton star offered the dynamism and work ethic that helped PSG dominate the proceedings. The midfielder does tend to create key turnovers that becomes useful for the Ligue 1 champions and he might become even more important against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.
Angel Di Maria: 7.5/10
Angel Di Maria had an extraordinary game in the PSG attack, wreaking havoc with his trickery and dynamism out wide. His dazzling runs were a treat for sore eyes, particularly the rabona assist to serve Mauro Icardi on his plate for the fourth goal. A splendid offensive display from the Argentine.
One of the best Di Maria's assists I have ever seen man, such a baller pic.twitter.com/UwRogb6NJ4
— Galu (@PSGalu) April 21, 2021
Neymar: 8/10
Neymar was quite influential in PSG’s attacking game, often linking up well with teammates in and around the final third. The Brazilian most notably scored the third goal with a somewhat timid header. However, one may expect a bit more from the PSG superstar, who needs to be at his toes in the upcoming game against Manchester City next midweek.
Julian Draxler: 8/10
Julian Draxler was one of the better performers for PSG in this thumping win over Angers. The German looked inspiring in the final third, creating numerous chances and linking up well with his teammates. He most notably bagged an assist for the all-important opener, while being a menace for the opposition with his clever runs and passes in the final third. An excellent attacking display.
Mauro Icardi: 9/10
Mauro Icardi was the player of the match for PSG, scoring an exceptional hat-trick and looking very sharp in the final third. He was, most importantly, efficient in front of goal while the Argentine also linked up well with his teammates. He is seemingly becoming an asset for PSG in these domestic matches.
⚽️ 09’
⚽️ 68’
⚽️ 90’Mauro Icardi has scored his first hat-trick since January 2020. ? pic.twitter.com/WSdBJI2zRo
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 21, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Moise Kean: N/A
A late replacement for Neymar. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Pablo Sarabia: N/A
A late replacement for Di Maria. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Ander Herrera: N/A
A late replacement for Paredes. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Layvin Kurzawa: N/A
A late replacement for Bakker. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Timothee Pembele: N/A
A late replacement for Danilo. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
