Mbappe's debut sort of goes to plan
Metz can't have hoped for too much when Paris Saint-Germain came to town, having no points, and scored just one goal before the arrival of the new Galatico's. However, the 5-1 home defeat was certainly a little misleading with Philippe Hinschberger's team offering plenty of resistance until former Tottenham left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto was harshly sent-off for a challenge on debutant Kylian Mbappe.
PSG coach Unai Emery opted for his more traditional 4-2-3-1, with Mbappe, Neymar and Julian Draxler interchangeable in the attacking trio behind Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan opened the scoring in the 31st minute, after hitting the post earlier.
Emmanuel Riviere equalised on his debut for Metz, with his first goal in 16 months. The striker had found the net just once in the league during his time at Newcastle United and didn't score at all for Osasuna last term.
In the second half, Riviere missed a sitter with the goal gaping, as Marquinhos' poor pass back was strangely headed across the six-yard box by PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. Assou-Ekotto then received his marching orders and Mbappe struck a powerful shot to give PSG a 2-1 lead.
Neymar curled an excellent effort into the bottom corner before Cavani bumbled over the line for his second of the game. Substitute Lucas Moura completed the rout, but the first hour should give Metz confidence for the rest of the season.
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 4
- 9.8 dribbles per game
- 5.5 key passes per game
I N S A N E
#PSG
Bielsa's philosophy still stuttering
Marcelo Bielsa was pleased that his Lille side managed to contain a difficult Bordeaux in the 0-0 draw, but knows that the supporters demand improvement. “We cannot ignore reality,” said the Argentinian after the game.
“We have already talked about this subject over the last four weeks and I have recognized our failure. But we are taking responsibility and we are fighting to change things.”
Bordeaux have not lost a league game since the start of April and can be pleased with their start to the campaign. Their disappointing Europa League exit to Hungarian club Videoton appears to have prompted a positive response.
Monaco shock Ligue 1 with derby loss
The Derby de la Côte d'Azur was the shock of the weekend, as Nice won only their second game of the nine they have played in all competitions so far. Mario Balotelli returned to the team and repaid the decision made by coach Lucien Favre almost immediately.
He finished a penalty inside six minutes after he was brought down in the area, whilst he scored his second from close range in the 4-0 win. Monaco looked like they had dealt with the numerous sales this summer with four consecutive victories, but there will now be some concern by this defeat.
Fekir shines once again
Nabil Fekir continued his excellent run of form, with his fourth goal in five games and an assist for Mariano. Lyon beat Guingamp 2-1, with the 24-year-old netting the winner just a minute after Marcus Thuram had equalised.
Fekir has revelled in the added responsibility following the departure of Alexandre Lacazette to Arsenal, although he admits that Lyon weren't at their most fluent because of the international break.
“A lot of internationals arrived later in the week,” said Fekir. “We missed a little cohesion.”
Marseille's defensive woes continue
Marseille manager Rudi Garcia changed his entire defence after the capitulation to Monaco last week. However, it made little difference as they conceded two goals inside the first 10 minutes against Rennes.
The nightmare started when Ismaila Sarr powered past Aymen Abdennour with Patrice Evra out of position, the pull-back fell into the path of Wahbi Khazri, who expertly flicked it past the helpless Steve Mandanda.
How about this for a back-heeled flick from Wahbi Khazri, on loan from Sunderland? They could do with him right now... 😳
Benjamin Bourigeaud made it two when he ran into the vacated space left by Marseille's lopsided defence before hitting an unstoppable shot from distance.
Rennes made it 3-0 when 20-year-old defender Joris Gnagnon put the final touch to a free-kick move straight from the training ground, as Bourigeaud found him in the area. Firmin Ndombe Mubele had drawn the foul from former Manchester United left-back Evra, who may have just had the moment where he realises he can longer compete at the highest level.
Morgan Sanson grabbed a consolation after a perfectly weighted pace from Dimitri Payet. The boos were deafening at the final whistle in the Stade Velodrome, whilst Garcia could be seen cursing to himself as he quickly disappeared down the dressing room tunnel.
Honourable Mentions
Amiens won their second consecutive game in the top flight after they lost their opening three matches. Former Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta followed up last week's spectacular free-kick, with the only goal of the encounter for the newly promoted side.
