Matchday 4: PSG 3-0 Lille

By: Thomas | August 30th, 2009

Again, I’m really sorry about the lack of a preview, so I’ll try to make it up to you with this.

Match Summary:
So, PSG welcomed LOSC Lille to the Parc des Princes today expecting to be given a run for their money by a Lille side who one would think would be frustrated after a winless start to the season. However, from the off PSG seemed in control of the game and had several wonderful chances early in the first half. It did not take long to break the deadlock and in the 26th minute, Jeremy Clement let fly with a powerful volley into the top right corner of the net. Lille started to threaten, but never really seemed to have their heart in it and the half ended one nil. In the 77th minute Luyindula added to the tally after poor defending by Lille. PSG locked up the match when substitute Christophe Jallet netted his second goal of the season after his volley off a cross from Sessegnon went through Lille ‘keeper Ludovic Butelle’s legs.

Highlights:

Player Ratings:
Coupet: Had a solid game, making difficult interceptions and catches when the need arose. He really is a world class keeper. 7.5.
Ceara: Wasn’t much of a presence today. Obviously didn’t make any huge mistakes but he didn’t get forward much either. A few crosses in the first half, but otherwise relatively quiet. 6.5.
Traore: Had a good game on defense and had a goal disallowed for no reason that I can fathom. 7.5.
Sakho: Same story as Ceara, except for the crosses. 6.5.
Armand: Is forming a good partnership with Sessegnon in attack and was involved in the play leading to both second half goals. Left something to be desired on defense, occasionally letting Hazard through, but it’s probably hard marking the Belgian wonderkid. 6.5.
Giuly: Wasn’t quite as spectacular as he has been, but still a good contribution in attack, causing problems for Emerson. Another 6.5.
Makelele: Had another decent game, not particularly outstanding. He can and should contribute more to the attack. 6.
Clement: Was very good. The volley for the first goal was spectacular and he continues to produce dangerous through balls and could be considered unlucky not to have had an assist. 9.
Sessegnon: Created the second and third goals and was the usual Stephane Sessegnon. That means fantastic. Another assist under his belt. 8.5
Luyindula: Another goal for Dula! Rama must be pleased. He had a good game and worked hard. 8.
Erding: Was good, having a good shot blocked after a through ball by Clement. He was taken off early in the second half for Hoarau. 6.5.

Substitutes:
Hoarau for Erding ‘61: Had some nice dribbles and played well with Luyindula. Think he’ll be starting next week? 6.
Jallet for Giuly ‘72: Did a fantastic job considering he played 18 minutes. A goal and an assist. He’s becoming a wonderful super-sub. 9.
Chantome for Luyindula ‘85: Incomplete.

Match Facts:
1) We are now tied on points for first with Lyon and Bordeaux, and are second to les Girondins on goal difference.
2) Christophe Jallet is now third in the Ligue 1 top scorers table, with 2 goals in 59 minutes.
3) We are still undefeated.
4) Our average home attendance in the Ligue is 32498.

Photos:

Breaking Transfer News:
PSG officials have broke the news that Mateja Kezman is set to join Zenit St. Petersburg on loan with an option to buy. Kezman has left Paris for St. Petersburg where the deal will be completed wen he passes his medical on Monday [AP]. Your thoughts?

Reactions to the Match:

Antoine Kombouaré (PSG coach)

“I didn’t think we were capable of winning 3-0 against Lille because the first half was very difficult. But we stuck together and we defended much better in the second half. We played well, created chances and scored two great goals. It’s a huge win, and hugely satisfying to score three goals and not concede any. We’re happy to be leading the league, but there’s still a very long way to go. Tonight, I’m a very happy coach and proud of what my players achieved – to have ten points from the first four games is fantastic.”

Péguy Luyindula (PSG forward)

“There were a lot of good things this evening, we played well and earned a big win. We wanted to string a few wins together, especially playing at home. We’re continuing on our merry way and we hope it will continue for as long as possible. On a personal note, two goals in two games is great. It was the least impressive of the three goals this evening, but important because it meant we got the break .”

Christophe Jallet (PSG defender)

“We can be very happy because we’ve got ten points out of 12 and have scored ten goals in four games. Now we can keep working over the next two weeks when we’ll have a very difficult match away to Monaco. We’re just taking the games one after another and I think that if we continue like this then we’ll do well this season. We’re in form, but we can’t get carried away. For my goal, Lady Luck was smiling on me. I tried it and it came off.”

Stéphane Sessegnon (PSG midfielder)

“That was a very important victory. It wasn’t easy and they made us suffer. But it’s a good result: we scored three and kept a cleansheet. Today we’re atop the table, but we need to keep our head on our shoulders. We took our chances up front and we were solid at the back. It’s great to be topping the table ahead of a two week gap. The next game will be a turning point and it’s only going to get tougher from here on in.”

Voila!