Neymar’s penalty strike was not enough as Paris Saint-Germain stumbled against Stade Rennais in a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Paris Saint-Germain’s hopes of a late push for the title received a major setback following a 1-1 draw with Stade Rennais. The result extends LOSC Lille’s lead at the top to four points, with just two matches remaining until the end of the season.
The defending champions were completely out of sync, lacking ideas and penetration up against a Rennes defence that stood strong throughout the course of the game. Despite their poor performance, though, PSG did manage to seal an opener through a late first half penalty from Neymar.
In the second half, Rennes started to push forward for the equaliser, creating numerous opportunities. PSG, in response, had very little to offer, struggling to cause problems for the opposition and it was only a matter of time when Sehrou Guirassy found the equaliser for Rennes, in the 77th minute.
Things got worse for the away side, as Presnel Kimpembe picked up a red card while Keylor Navas was forced to make another late save, as the hosts managed to hold on to the draw. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the PSG players in their disappointing result this weekend.
Keylor Navas: 8/10
Keylor Navas was the hero of the game for PSG, making numerous top-class saves to deny Rennes from edging ahead with a winner, especially in the second half. The goalkeeper will be disappointed with lack of the defensive support around him, though, while Kimpembe’s late red card put him in big trouble. Although PSG will be happy with Navas’ return of form, it just has not come at the right time.
Ligue 1 Title Race with 2 games to go ?
Lille face 11th and 12th placed Teams
PSG face 13th and 14th placed Teams pic.twitter.com/XVsIjQjpiB— The Football Dug Out (@tfdo_) May 9, 2021
Colin Dagba: 6/10
Not the best of games for Colin Dagba defensively, as the defender found it difficult to deal with the threat of Jeremy Doku. The Rennes winger was almost unstoppable at times with his quick feet and pace. However, Dagba was a bit more useful going forward, making a lot of overlapping runs on the far side, though none of them led to clear cut opportunities.
Marquinhos: 6.5/10
Marquinhos tried his best to keep a check on the Rennes attack even when they poured men forward. He was definitely the best outfield defender for PSG, doing well particularly in headed duels while also making a total of six clearances. The PSG captain was also useful going forward, using his aerial prowess to become an indirect threat from set-pieces.
Presnel Kimpembe: 2/10
It is about time Mauricio Pochettino takes a closer look at Presnel Kimpembe. While the Frenchman is undoubtedly a talented defender, he has serious problems with his temper and is simply not the right man for the big occasions. A brutal challenge on young Doku late in the game was an ideal example, as the defender was sent off once again with a straight red.
Presnel Kimpembe's biggest enemy is himself.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) May 9, 2021
Layvin Kurzawa: 6/10
Starting ahead of Abdou Diallo and Mitchell Bakker, Layvin Kurzawa had problems dealing with Doku, especially when the youngster switched flanks at regular intervals. The left-back was more useful going forward, providing offensive support to the wingers, but he was eventually taken off just ten minutes into the second half.
Ander Herrera: 6.5/10
Ander Herrera had an excellent opportunity to score an early goal but his effort was tame and straight at Alfred Gomis. Aside from that, the former Manchester United midfielder did well to offer the mobility and work rate in the middle of the park, even delivering a few useful forward passes, though it was not enough to make a difference.
Danilo Pereira: 6/10
Danilo Pereira had a largely defensive role in midfield for obvious reasons. So the midfielder was usually seen recycling possession for his side. He was later asked to play in the auxiliary centre-back role, especially after the dismissal of Kimpembe late in game.
Angel Di Maria: 6/10
Angel Di Maria looked very bright, especially during the early phases of the game, often probing the Rennes defence with his trickery and quick feet out wide. The attacker linked up well with his teammates at well, but none of his forays into the box really troubled the Rennes defence or provide enough penetration.
Neymar: 6.5/10
Neymar was perhaps PSG’s most influential attacker, which says a lot about the team’s performance rather than the Brazilian’s. He tried making things happen, despite lacking support – notably creating an excellent opportunity for Julian Draxler in the second half. Also scored the opener late in the first half, but nothing impactful afterwards.
PSG have extended Neymar's deal, but Kylian Mbappé's absence in the last 10 days has proved that the Frenchman is far more important to them.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) May 9, 2021
Julian Draxler: 6/10
Draxler’s majestic control to capitalise on Neymar’s pass and have an attempt on goal was the highlight of his performance against Rennes. Apart from that, the attacker tried his best to penetration the opposing lines by linking up with teammates. Unfortunately, none of them really troubled Rennes, as the German was eventually taken off late in the game.
Moise Kean: 4/10
Pochettino’s decision to start Moise Kean ahead of Mauro Icardi was perhaps not the best one, as the on-loan Everton failed to produce anything going forward. He was largely anonymous in the number nine role, struggling to get himself involved in the game.
SUBSTITUTES
Abdou Diallo: 3/10
Abdou Diallo replaced Kurzawa in the second half, as Pochettino opted for more defensive solidity on the far side of the PSG backline. The move backfired as the defender not only struggled but also lost the header to Guirassy for the equaliser.
Rafinha Alcantara: 6/10
Rafinha was brought in midway through the second half in order to add more creativity to PSG’s play. Failed to make the desired impact, though.
Idrissa Gueye: 6/10
Idrissa Gueye tried to offer more control after replacing Herrera but the creativity was missing.
Alessandro Florenzi: N/A
A late replacement for Dagba. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Mauro Icardi: N/A
A late replacement for Draxler. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
