A superb header from Kylian Mbappé was among the goals as Paris Saint-Germain maintained their 100% start to the season with an entertaining 4-2 win away to Brest. The capital club now sit provisionally top of the Ligue 1 Uber Eats table.
THE MATCH
A noisy Stade Francis-Le Blé hosted the first game of round three in Ligue 1 Uber Eats, with both sides unbeaten in their opening two games.
PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino had the luxury of welcoming back Euro 2020 winner Marco Verratti and a post-COVID Idrissa Gueye into the midfield and the the Parisians showed their dominance from the outset, controlling the tempo and enjoying large periods of possession as they made clear their intent.
Mbappé should have opened the scoring within three minutes, but his effort was blocked by the legs of Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot. Verratti was also in the thick of the action early on and missed a gilt-edged chance, firing over from 10 yards (15').
Herrera opens the scoring
The Parisian onslaught finally paid dividends when Ander Herrera let fly with an audacious 25-yard volley that sneaked past Bizot, who should have done better to keep it out (23'). Then Mbappé deservedly extended PSG's lead with an expertly guided header (36'), celebrating in front of PSG's travelling support.
Just when it looked like the floodgates were going to open for Pochettino's side, Brest gave themselves a lifeline on a rare venture into PSG's half. Franck Honorat reduced the arrears for the home side (42') with a low strike that bobbled under PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas. The Costa Rican would doubtless liked to have done better, especially with newly signed 'keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma watching on from the bench.
Brest coach Michel Der Zakarian's saw his side look rejuvenated after the break and started to find spells of possession, with Honorat and Romain Faivre looking menacing. But on what was fast becoming a forgettable night for goalkeepers, Idrissa Gueye extended PSG's advantage with another helping hand from Bizot who palmed the Ivorian international's swerving 35-yard effort into his own net (73').
Steve Mounié took advantage of ball-watching in the PSG defence to reduce the deficit (85') and set up a tense finish, but a blistering PSG counter attack finished off by substitute Angel Di Maria's deft lob (89') ensured the Parisians held on to claim three points and climb provisionally to the Ligue 1 Uber Eats summit.
THE PLAYER: Achraf Hakimi
The Morocco International was a constant threat throughout the game and should have had his name on the score sheet. A classy display from the wing-back showing why PSG paid a hefty fee in the summer was capped off by delightful assist for his side's fourth goal.
THE STAT: 5
Despite Paris Saint-Germain's 100% start to the season and an abundance of attacking prowess on show, Mauricio Pochettino's men have now conceded five goals in their opening three league games. This is the first time PSG have given up five goals at this stage of the season since 2004 - which will be a concern for Pochettino and his staff. With captain Marquinhos and summer recruit Sergio Ramos both working their way back to full fitness, the Argentinian coach will hope his side can soon plug the leaks in their defence.
