Paris Saint-Germain are still without a Ligue 1 victory. After two draws, the Parisians suffered their first defeat of the season against Monaco (1-2) on Friday night at the Parc des Princes. Marquinhos had opened the scoring, but Nazinho and then Idumbo turned the game around for Monaco in the second half.
THE WINNERS — Kvaratskhelia, a constant threat. In a PSG attack that was sometimes too predictable, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was one of the most dangerous players. The Georgian was directly involved in the opening goal with his cross for Marquinhos. Lively and always available, he repeatedly looked to take on the Monaco defence. His substitution in the 69th minute was therefore somewhat surprising. Marquinhos leads by example again. The captain delivered once more, scoring PSG’s only goal in the 31st minute by chesting Kvaratskhelia’s cross into the net. It put Paris in an ideal position before half-time. Solid defensively for much of the game, the Brazilian was nevertheless unable to prevent the team’s second-half collapse.
Dembélé sparks PSG, but Monaco punish Paris after the break
Dembélé brought Paris back to life. Starting on the bench, Ousmane Dembélé immediately added danger after coming on. He was notably involved in Ferran Torres’ goal, which was eventually ruled out for offside in the 85th minute. In stoppage time, the Frenchman came close twice to making it 2-2, including with a curling effort that Hradecky brilliantly tipped away from the top corner.
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THE LOSERS — Safonov beaten at his near post. The Russian goalkeeper was obviously not solely responsible for the defeat, but Monaco’s second goal was costly. Idumbo won his duel before firing powerfully at the near post to beat Safonov. In such a tight game, Paris needed a decisive save at that moment. Zaïre-Emery still not in his best role. Deployed at left-back, Warren Zaïre-Emery once again had to fill in far from his natural position. Committed and hard-working, the Frenchman nevertheless struggled to offer enough going forward on his flank. Luis Enrique eventually replaced him with Lucas Hernandez in the 64th minute.
PSG collapse after half-time. Above all, it was Paris as a collective that deserved to feature among the disappointments. Leading 1-0 at the break, PSG appeared to have done the hard part. But Nazinho equalised in the 58th minute before Idumbo put Monaco ahead just fourteen minutes later. The late reaction was not enough. After three matchdays, PSG are still searching for their first Ligue 1 win, with two draws and now one defeat. It is a start to the league season that is beginning to look increasingly worrying for Luis Enrique’s side. Also read: PSG-Monaco (1-2): Paris overturned at the Parc, match report and ratings; PSG/Monaco (1-2): all the goals on video; PSG vs Monaco: starting line-up, Dembélé on the bench; PSG: Luis Enrique leaves out Lucas Digne, a major warning; PSG: latest on Luis Enrique’s contract extension; PSG-Monaco: predicted line-up tonight.
