Neymar and Kylian Mbappe stole the show as PSG cruised to a 4-0 win over Montpellier to consolidate their place atop the Ligue 1 table on Friday.
On a night when Mauricio Pochettino’s men were seeking a crucial outcome to secure top spot on the Ligue 1 table they certainly showcased their venomous potential with the sumptuous 4-0 win.
From the very first whistle, PSG were determined to spoil the party of Michel Der Zakarian’s men, as they created an abundance of chances in the final third. Montpellier’s fortunes received a huge blow, as the referee showed a straight red card to goalkeeper Jonas Omlin, and with just ten men, the visitors were not able to neutralise PSG’s turbulent menace.
In spite of missing several opportunities up front in the first half, Kylian Mbappe’s neatly crafted finish in the 34th minute opened the floodgates for PSG. Neymar then doubled his side’s lead in the 60th minute with a typical finish after being set up by Mbappe. Shortly after, Mauro Icardi scored his fourth goal of the season and provided a delicate assist in the 63rd minute to Mbappe, who killed the game off with a simple tap-in.
With this breathtaking victory, PSG have established themselves at the top of the Ligue 1 table and will be looking forward to maintaining this impressive run in the coming weeks. Here at The Hard Tackle, we now rate the performances of Mauricio Pochettino’s men at Parc des Princes on the Friday night.
Une deuxième mi-temps riche en buts et une large victoire ! (4-0)#PSGMHSC
?? #ICICESTPARIS pic.twitter.com/VVSyfDTRwc
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) January 22, 2021
Keylor Navas: 6/10
PSG had to make the substitution ahead of the second half, as their Costa Rican goalkeeper left the pitch with an injury. However, the former Real Madrid goalkeeper was tested only once at the later stage of the first half and generally had a decent outing before making way for Sergio Rico.
Alessandro Florenzi: 7/10
The 29-year-old Italian international was composed in the right-back position, as his stability throughout the game helped the midfield move further forward. He managed to pull off 39 successful passes out of the 48 attempted, and along with that, he created two decent chances for the front line.
Abdou Diallo: 6.5/10
Diallo once again displayed his potential to be one of the most formidable players to rely upon in defence. His well-consolidated intuition kept the opposition at bay and did enough to accomplish a third consecutive clean sheet.
Marquinhos: 6/10
The prolific PSG centre-back possesses the ability to hold the defensive unit in full order. His engrossing strength to read the game effectively suspended Montpellier’s threats but the PSG skipper was substituted in the 52nd minute of the game.
Layvin Kurzawa: 7.5/10
Another impressive display from the Frenchman, and his solid performance was one of the highlights of the game. After the staggering performance against Angers, the 28-year-old was looking forward to maintaining his decent run. With a 90 percent passing rate and stimulated emergence through his side, Kurzawa was pretty bright during the course of the game.
Leandro Paredes: 7/10
??? Leandro #Paredes vs Montpellier (Home) – Ligue 1 (22/01/21)#PSGMHSC #PSG pic.twitter.com/eVoDO9bFtd
— Hugo ❤️?? (@PARIScompsHD1) January 23, 2021
Always searching for spaces and heavily involved in every decisive move, the Argentine’s amply crafted execution gave PSG an extra edge. Along with fellow partner Verratti, he was able to build the momentum for his side. Paredes managed seven accurate long balls and a startling 95 percent passing rate before making way for Danilo Pereira in the 76th minute.
Marco Verratti: 7/10
Verratti’s audacity in the middle of the park yet again flourished, as he orchestrated the proceedings with flair. The 28-years-old’s finely tuned display rattled Montpellier’s midfield, as his influential performance helped PSG dominate the occasion. The Italian international also finished the game with the highest number of accurate passes (114). Solid all around.
Angel Di Maria: 8/10
13 – Kylian Mbappé received 13 assists from Angel Di Maria in Ligue 1, more than from any other player in the top-flight. Complicity. #PSGMHSC pic.twitter.com/LCV9KQ58y6
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) January 22, 2021
Di Maria’s decisive ball through to Mbappe was the reason behind PSG’s first goal. The Argentine’s awareness to spot the run of the forwards has always been one of those mind-boggling assets of his. He continued to befuddle Daniel Congre from his flank, as he created four chances, pulling the strings effortlessly.
Neymar: 8/10
The Brazilian sensation’s dazzling feet painted an outrageous exhibition. Neymar was desperately trying his venomous attempts to steal the show and was quite adamant to put up a great display.
Along with Verratti, though, Neymar will be another player to miss the next game as he was booked for a reckless challenge in the 76th minute. Otherwise, the 28-year-old created four chances and scored the second goal of the game, which was created by Mbappe.
100 games
81 goals
46 assistsNeymar has been involved in 127 goals through the century mark with PSG ?? pic.twitter.com/E9DOlTf2pP
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 22, 2021
Kylian Mbappe: 9/10
Probably the man of the hour for PSG, whose impeccable eruption snatched all three points from Michel Der Zakarian’s men. With two goals and an assist, the Frenchman outclassed Montpellier’s defensive unit. Mbappe used his extraordinary ability to wreak havoc and flourished throughout the match.
Kylian Mbappe ?? becomes PSG's 5th all-time top scorer in Ligue 1 with his first goal in 2021. ? #PSGMHSC #PSG pic.twitter.com/NM43fcsJ2R
— RouteOneFootball (@Route1futbol) January 22, 2021
Mauro Icardi: 8/10
In spite of missing bags of opportunities in the first half, Mauro Icardi succeeded in making an immense impact in the second half. On an occasion when he had to prove his credential, he got his goal from the counter-attack and selflessly helped Mbappe complete his brace as well. He now needs to be consistent if he has the intention of retaining his place.
SUBSTITUTES
Sergio Rico: 6/10
Came on as a substitute after the departure of veteran goalkeeper Navas. Had an easy outing and was reliable between the sticks.
Thilo Kehrer: 6.5/10
The German international replaced Marquinhos in the 51st minute. Stepped up in the absence of the PSG leader, and he seemed comfortable at the heart of the defence.
Mitchel Bakker: N/A
On for Layvin Kurzawa in the 76th minute, Bakker needed to stabilise the defense and he did that without any major issue.
Danilo Pereira: N/A
Sent on in place of Leandro Paredes in the dying moments, Danilo played as a midfielder to help his side cross the line. Had just thirteen touches.
Pablo Sarabia: N/A
Replaced Mauro Icardi in the 82nd minute. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
