PSG Extends Led despite Nervous Victory, Lens Climbs the Table
Paris saint-Germain maintained their undefeated streak and a commanding seven-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Saint-Etienne on Sunday.
The defending champions, who have already bested second-placed Marseille and third-placed Monaco this season, saw Ousmane Dembélé shine with a brace. The French winger struck first in the 13th minute and doubled his tally from the penalty spot ten minutes later after a video review detected a handball by Léo Pétrot on an Achraf Hakimi cross. The decision, though, sparked controversy as the ball appeared to graze Pétrot’s hand unintentionally.
Dembélé’s goals brought his league tally to ten, matching teammate Bradley Barcola and trailing top scorers Jonathan David (Lille) and Mason Greenwood (Marseille) by just one goal. Barcola himself thought he had secured his eleventh goal of the season before halftime, but another VAR intervention ruled out the goal due to a foul committed by the player.
While PSG continues to dominate the league, their performance against Saint-Etienne revealed a vulnerability. The Parisians looked visibly uneasy and narrowly avoided conceding an equalizer. Saint-Etienne, currently sitting in 16th place, managed to pull one back through a beautifully executed free kick by Georgian midfielder Zuriko Davitashvili midway through the second half.
Meanwhile, transfer rumors continue to swirl around PSG, with the club reportedly eyeing a move for Napoli’s Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Lens Closes in on Top Six, Le Havre’s Struggles Continue
Elsewhere, Lens secured a crucial 2-1 victory over struggling Le havre, propelling them to within a single point of sixth-placed Lyon. Colombian defender Deiver Machado headed home a Przemyslaw Frankowski cross in the 77th minute to seal the win.
The match also saw speculation surrounding Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov intensify. Reports suggest the 20-year-old Uzbek, who joined Lens last season for a mere €100,000, is on the verge of a €50 million move to Premier League champions Manchester City.
Le Havre, languishing in 17th place after five consecutive league defeats, took an early lead through veteran striker Andre Ayew, who scored for the second consecutive game. However, Lens equalized through debutant Goduine Koyalipou’s header in the 28th minute.
Strasbourg Climbs, Montpellier Implodes
In other notable results, Strasbourg moved up to ninth place with a 2-1 victory over Tolosa in a match heavily influenced by VAR decisions. Dutch striker Emanuel Emegha bagged a brace for Strasbourg, but a third goal was disallowed for offside. Tolosa, simultaneously occurring, saw a potential equalizer ruled out due to an offside call after a VAR review.
Montpellier suffered a disastrous 3-1 home defeat to Angers, with two players sent off in the closing stages. esteban Lepaul scored twice for Angers, including a penalty, while Zinedine Ferhat added a third goal in stoppage time. Montpellier’s frustration boiled over as defender Boubakar Kouyaté and captain Jordan Ferri received red cards.
PSG Grinds Out Victory, But Lens’ Rise Puts heat on the Parisians
Paris Saint-Germain, despite a narrow 2-1 victory over a gritty Saint-Etienne side on Sunday, showcased vulnerability that could be exploited as the Ligue 1 season progresses. while the win extends their unbeaten streak and maintains a agreeable seven-point lead, Lens’ continued ascent up the table adds a compelling layer to the title race.
PSG’s dominance, evident in their prior victories over Marseille and Monaco, was noticeably absent this weekend. Saint-Etienne, despite their lower table position, exhibited tenacity and resilience, pushing PSG to the brink. This shoudl serve as a wake-up call for the Parisian giants. They cannot afford to underestimate lesser opponents if they wish to secure another title.
Simultaneously occurring, Lens continues to impress. Their consistent performances, coupled with astute tactical choices, have propelled them into contention. While they still trail PSG significantly, Lens’ upward trajectory demands attention. Their upcoming fixtures will be crucial in assessing whether they can maintain this momentum and genuinely challenge PSG’s dominance.
The race for the Ligue 1 title is far from decided. While PSG remains the frontrunners, their recent performance raises questions about their consistency against persistent opposition. Lens, on the other hand, is emerging as a formidable contender, challenging the established order. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining the true destination of the Ligue 1 crown.
