Paris Saint-Germain has continued to lack enthusiasm and goals since losing the Club World Cup final. Even in their first home game of the new Ligue 1 season, they only managed a narrow 1-0 win.
Until the semifinals of the Club World Cup this summer, one could have thought that Paris Saint-Germain was still riding a wave of euphoria—at that time, the reigning triple winner (league, cup, Champions League) had defeated Real Madrid 4-0.
Since then, however, something has been amiss in the team’s offense: the clear 0-3 defeat in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea was followed by a 4-3 victory in the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham, which was only achieved in a penalty shootout. Coach Luis Enrique’s team also failed to impress last week in the Ligue 1 season opener, with midfielder Vitinha scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over FC Nantes.
Will there be more highlights in the first home game against Angers SCO (who also started with a 1-0 win against newly promoted Paris FC)? Probably not.
Dembelé misses first striker goal
Despite fielding key players such as Dembelé, dribbler Doué and winger Hakimi (all of whom were rested on the bench last time out), PSG lacked enthusiasm and finishing. The capital club were naturally dominant in terms of possession and control against the deep-lying and respectful underdogs. But that was all.
Only Doué tested the visitors’ goalkeeper Koffi once (15th minute), before Angers pro Courcoul helped out with a clumsy foul on Joao Neves (25th minute). Dembelé’s execution of the resulting penalty kick was typical of the day. The former Barcelona and Dortmund player shot miserably over the bar (27′).
Fabian thanks him politely
The Paris fans at the Parc des Princes would have wanted to see much more, but even in the second half, there was only minimal improvement. However, it started with the goal of the day in the 50th minute, when Fabian pushed forward with Doué and, with a bit of luck – a rebound off an opponent – got the ball in the box.
The Spanish European champion accepted the gift and shot humorlessly low to make it 1-0 (50′). However, this lead did not take the pressure off. The reigning champions continued to accumulate possession and looked solid in defense with veteran Marquinhos.
However, the defense fell asleep once, allowing Angers to counterattack through Belkhdim and Ekomie. The latter shot from a dangerous position but was too inaccurate, meaning that Donnarumma’s replacement Chevalier, who had been virtually unemployed, did not have to intervene. Apart from Nuno Mendes missing a chance to make it 2-0 (81st minute, strong save by Koffi), nothing much else happened.
And so Paris, still without a goal from a striker, secured their second 1-0 win in their second league game and can now prepare for their away game in Toulouse on Saturday (9:05 p.m.). Angers continue against Stade Rennes (Sunday, 3 p.m.).
