Star French forward Kylian Mbappe is now the leading scorer in the French league as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 4-1 win over a struggling Lyon. The result was possible after subpar defending by the latter. PSG’s first goal came from a carelessly conceded penalty, two were the result of counterattacks, and the fourth was a goalmouth scramble.
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All four of PSG’s goals were netted in the first half against an ordinary Lyon side. Captain Corentin Tolisso had criticised his team’s performance the previous weekend but committed a mistake by failing to control a pass from his own goalkeeper and subsequently fouling PSG’s Manuel Ugarte, resulting in a clear penalty. Mbappe converted the penalty cleanly down the middle past Portugal goalkeeper Anthony Lopes in the fourth minute.
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The highlights from the Parisian victory 🆚 Lyon (1-4)
Brace from @KMbappe and goals from @AchrafHakimi, @marcoasensio10 ⚽️#OLPSG pic.twitter.com/vsynknKhJO
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 3, 2023
In the 20th minute, right back Achraf Hakimi bundled in a cross that Lyon’s defense failed to deal with. Attacking midfielder Marco Asensio and Mbappe later clinically finished fast breaks.
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Mbappe, who had been in the spotlight following a transfer standoff, has shown excellent form since his return. His five goals place him ahead of Monaco striker Wissam Ben Yedder, a consistent contender for the top scorer award in recent seasons, and Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed.
PSG remained unbeaten after four games and climbed into second place ahead of bitter rival Marseille on goal difference, behind leader Monaco, which boasts 10 points and a healthy 13 goals.
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Despite PSG’s offensive prowess, their goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had made four important saves by the time Tolisso converted the penalty in the 74th minute. Additionally, PSG’s new signing Ousmane Dembélé wasted several opportunities with erratic shooting.
🧤 The @donnarumma Show #BlockOfTheGame I #OLPSG I Presented by @cryptocom pic.twitter.com/ptURCELn1r
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 4, 2023
Winger Bradley Barcola, who joined PSG from Lyon near the end of the transfer window, received a hostile reception from Lyon fans when he entered the match in the second half.
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Seven-time champs Lyon were once a strong PSG rival but now find themselves sitting in last place with just one point. They have scored the fewest goals (3) and conceded the most (10) along with second-to-last Lens.
In other matches, Lille secured a 1-0 home win against Montpellier thanks to an early free kick by midfielder Yusuf Yazici. Nice claimed its first win of the season after defeating Strasbourg 2-0 at home, while Toulouse and Clermont drew 2-2.
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Newly promoted Le Havre secured their first win after defeating Lorient 3-0. Meanwhile, Metz, also promoted last season, drew 2-2 with Reims.
