match-day 1 v Monaco review

With the final whistle, the opening match of the new campaign ended like so many last year with a loss. Yet as PSG went down to a 1-0 loss to Monaco at Stade Louis II, there is a great deal to consider, both positive and negative.

Most notably this was the tale of two very different halves of play with the first forty-five minutes, PSG certainly holding the edge, albeit without a goal for their efforts. Before the break, they showed tremendous control and patience, managing a build-up of tactical of play and creating opportunities. While finishing was obviously lacking, it was a solid effort that will prove out in-time. The experience of Ludovic Giuly and his leadership was obvious as this was a club playing Football professionally, which unfortunately at-times last season, it looked anything but. Offensively with Ludovic’s leadership and Stéphane Sessegnon, who returns next week from suspension, we can expect a very solid and reliable offensive attack.

Yet possibly most important to note of the first-half was the composure of the back-line, solid marking and rarely looking like any offensive threat couldn’t be dealt with. Last season, a set-play by the opposition bathed supporters in fear of the unknown. However that wasn’t visible in the first-half of today’s match and you’d have to be very pleased with how the squad accorded itself.

The second half was a renaissance for last season’s worst qualities. Ricardo Gomes adjustment at half were brilliant as he cut deep into the weaknesses of PSG and Mickaël Landreau was consistently bombarded. As poor as the play was, worse was the inability of the defense to respond correctly, to slow the pace of Monaco’s assault and to control the ball. While this level of maturity on the pitch isn’t so easy to find in players, this issue must be considered with future additions as well as lineup choices, most notably with the experienced Sammy Traoré who would have made the proper adjustment. It should also be noted that Frédéric Nimani’s sublime goal off a perfect crossing volley by Camel Meriem was possible by the three of the worst defensive errors; over-committal on the attack and being susceptible to the counter, pursuit with a completely incorrect angle and dreadful marking in the box when you lose track of your man.

This was in-the-end a “fine” match, in-which a great deal was learned, even if the result wasn’t as we had hoped for. As we face Laurent Blanc’s powerful Bordeaux squad next week, we must keep these in mind and push forward.

Category: Team News

Tags: Team News

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