Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe impressed as PSG secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Angers on Wednesday.
Paris Saint-Germain are on the verge of securing a record-equalling 10th Ligue 1 title following a comfortable 3-0 victory over Angers SCO on Wednesday. The league leaders only need to avoid a defeat in their game against RC Lens to successfully reclaim the league title.
Heading into this game without Lionel Messi, Neymar, Marco Verratti, Presnel Kimpembe and Julian Draxler, Mauricio Pochettino experimented with a back three that worked to perfection against an Angers side that looked vulnerable defensively, despite offering a threat going forward.
Their lack of stability, especially from set-pieces, allowed PSG to run the Angers defence ragged, with Kylian Mbappe eventually scoring the opener in the 28th minute, thanks to a moment of ingenuity. PSG doubled their lead late in the added time of the first half, with Sergio Ramos heading home from a brilliant cross from Angel Di Maria.
Di Maria was involved again in the build-up to the third goal in the 77th minute, with his exceptional cross finding Marquinhos. The Brazilian had missed a few opportunities earlier in the game, but he made no mistake in heading home to secure a comfortable 3-0 lead for his side. Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the PSG players in their comprehensive victory over Angers this midweek.
Keylor Navas: 6.5/10
Starting ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Keylor Navas made a solid impression early on by saving Sofiane Boufal’s attempt from long range. It was the only time he was really tested, though, as the opposition could only muster one shot on target. A relatively easy clean sheet for the returning goalkeeper.
Marquinhos: 7/10
Marquinhos should have scored from one of his early opportunities, but he did manage to get himself on the scoresheet late in the second half. Defensively, the PSG captain fared well in duels and kept the opposition attack at bay for a large part of the game.
Sergio Ramos: 7/10
Sergio Ramos made a disappointing start to the game as he struggled to keep up with the pace and movement of players like Boufal, and Mohamed-Ali Cho. He improved as the game progressed, eventually establishing himself as a rock at the back while scoring the all-important second goal just before the half-time whistle.
Vamos Ramos!! ?
After a turbulent season, Sergio Ramos is gifted a header against Angers ?
The smile says it all ? pic.twitter.com/VdfA4clqmk
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 20, 2022
Thilo Kehrer: 7/10
Thilo Kehrer was given a rare starting opportunity, thanks to a shift in formation, coupled with the absence of Kimpembe. The German did very well, to say the least. He looked confident in his tackles and was a threat from set-pieces. He conceded a penalty in the second half, but VAR overturned the decision after revealing his crisp tackle on Cho.
Achraf Hakimi: 7.5/10
Achraf Hakimi had a rare opportunity to operate in his favoured right wing-back position under Pochettino. The former Real Madrid man did not disappoint either, wreaking havoc on the flanks with his darting movements and neat combination play with Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. He notably bagged the assist for the first goal.
Dina Ebimbe: 6/10
Dina Ebimbe was handed a start in the absence of midfielders such as Leandro Paredes, Ander Herrera and Marco Verratti. The youngster, though, once again struggled to make any real impression. He did not offer much creativity and was subbed off during the final phase of the game.
Danilo Pereira: 7/10
Danilo Pereira was a vital cog in the PSG midfield. His work ethic and experience came in handy in helping PSG dominate the middle and create turnovers. His passing was smooth enough as well, though he would have favoured a bit more competent set of partners in midfield.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 5/10
It was yet another underwhelming performance from Wijnaldum, who simply can’t seem to make an impression at PSG. The Dutchman was not involved in the game at all and offered very little creative brilliance in the middle of the park. His lack of involvement in the game was overshadowed by the performances of the attacking players.
La Défense a 3 doit rester jusqu’à la fin, Wijnaldum, Gueye doivent être sur le banc jusqu’à la fin de saison et Danilo + Verratti avec les jeunes doivent être les milieux qui jouent jusqu’à la fin. Que comme ça qu’on prendra du plaisir.
— goran (@GGolinval) April 20, 2022
Juan Bernat: 6.5/10
Juan Bernat was given the nod ahead of Nuno Mendes in the left wing-back position. Needless to say, the former Bayern Munich man was asked to operate more defensively. Nevertheless, he did venture forward and offered decent support out wide.
Angel Di Maria: 8/10
It was an extraordinary performance from Angel Di Maria, especially considering the fact that he had recently recovered from a spell on the sidelines. The Argentine was the creator-in-chief for PSG, linking up extremely well with Mbappe and offering the creative output in the final third.
Angel Di Maria with 2 assists against Angers SCO. He still got it. I think PSG should keep him for another year. #PSG???? pic.twitter.com/E9oV0lPfvF
— PSG Chief (@psg_chief) April 20, 2022
Di Maria looked very secure in possession and was always willing to attack the spaces. He was rewarded for his efforts with a total of two assists, and the number could have been more if the PSG centre-backs were able to latch on to his exceptional corner kicks.
Kylian Mbappe: 8/10
Kylian Mbappe once again showcased his talent by producing a wonderful attacking display. Despite the absence of Messi and Neymar, the Frenchman looked dangerous and his clever turns bamboozled the Angers defenders on many occasions. Mbappe looked clinical as well, racking up the all-important early goal while testing Anthony Mandrea more than once.
Kylian Mbappe has nine goals and five assists in his last five games between club and country ? pic.twitter.com/jL0J6gnb32
— GOAL (@goal) April 21, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Edouard Michut: 4/10
Edouard Michut replaced Ebimbe in the 72nd minute. But he was sent off almost twenty minutes later for an uncontrolled challenge.
Nuno Mendes: 6/10
Nuno Mendes came in for Bernat, offering a bit more freshness and thrust on the left flank. The youngster performed well, and should start in the next game against Lens.
Idrissa Gueye: N/A
A late replacement for Wijnaldum. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
El Chadaille Bitshiabu: N/A
A late replacement for Hakimi. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Xavi Simons: N/A
A late replacement for Di Maria. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
