Paris Saint-Germain opened their Ligue 1 campaign with a victory over Troyes, but it was less than convincing.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had to come from behind after conceding from a corner as Troyes raced into a ninth-minute lead through Oualid El Hajjam’s header.
But two goals in two first-half minutes had the game turned on its head. Wingback Achraf Hakimi restored parity with a lovely volleyed effort 19 minutes into his league debut before Mauro Icardi gave PSG the lead using the outside of his boot, with Kylian Mbappe registering the assist.
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Renaut Ripart may have levelled the scores before the break with a clever shot but was repelled by Keylor Navas, continuing in the absence of new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma – rested after his Euro 2020 exploits.
PSG’s performance dropped down a gear or two after the restart and the visitors had to withstand some heavy pressure at times as Troyes threw caution to the wind in search of an equaliser. And they almost snatched a point right at the death only for Navas, who made two big saves to ensure PSG start with maximum points.
TALKING POINT – Flat PSG need a spark…
No Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos or Neymar, but PSG should still have more than enough to make this a comfortable win.
Having lost to Lille in the Trophee des Champions last Sunday, PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino would have been hoping for a much improved performance – but he didn’t get it.
Instead, he kicked the air in frustration as his players gave the ball away again and again. And he would have been watching the last 10 minutes with his hands over his face as Troyes, who had dominated large spells of the second-half, threw the kitchen sink in search of an equaliser.
PSG may have hung on but this was a concerning display that raised more questions than it answered. Even Mbappe looked off the pace.
Perhaps a club announcement later this week could re-energise the club?!
More to follow…
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