Ligue 1
Late Winner From Neymar Helps PSG Defeat Lyon
Another late goal from Neymar helped PSG defeat Lyon at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
The match looked to be heading towards a goalless stalemate until Neymar showed a touch of class to put the Parisians ahead. He picked the ball up inside the box and then brilliantly made space for a left foot shot, which he despatched into the bottom corner of the net.
Lyon struggled to create any clear cut chances of their own with a curling shot from outside the box from Memphis Depay, which went wide of goal, the best they could muster.
The result means PSG are three point clear at the top of Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Lyon are down in ninth place with just two wins from their first six league games.
Neymar Misses Chance To Score
PSG had the first chance of the game after 12 minutes. Lyon midfielder Youssouf Kone gave the ball away to Angel Di Maria.
The Argentine midfielder drove forward and played a neat through pass to Eric Maxim Chop-Moting. However, the Cameroon international’s shot was easily saved by Anthony Lopes in the Lyon goal.
On 22 minutes, PSG had a great chance to open the scoring. Angel Di Maria played the ball across the box to Neymar. The Brazilian took a great first touch to make space for a shot, which was well saved by Lyon keeper Anthony Lopes.
A minute later, Lyon went up the other end and caught PSG on the counter attack. It resulted in a curling strike by Memphis Depay, which curled just wide of goal.
The Parisians were beginning to dominate possession, midway through the first half. Meanwhile Lyon were struggling to get out of their own half.
Just before half time, Neymar curled a brilliant free kick from 30 yards out, which forced Anthony Lopes into an acrobatic save.
Despite all of the possession, PSG were unable to find the breakthrough before the half time interval.
PSG Fail To Find Breakthrough
On 59 minutes, Neymar tried to take a corner but was being pelted with plastic bottles and paper from the home fans. The referee quite rightly asked for the PA announcer to tell the Lyon fans to stop it.
Unfortunately, it didn’t make any difference as the Brazilian was still being hit with objects, as he tried to take corner kicks.
When he eventually was able to deliver the corner, he picked out Abdou Diallo who headed over the bar when he should have done better.
Despite all their possession, PSG were struggling to create any clear cut chances.
On 71 minutes, a neat one two between Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Angel Di Maria allowed the Argentine to get a shot away from close range. However, he was unable to keep his shot down and blazed the ball over the crossbar.
The second half was a flat affair with both sides looking tired after their midweek European excursions.
However, with just two minutes of normal time remaining, PSG took the lead.
Angel Di Maria passed to Neymar inside the penalty area. The Brazilian did brilliantly to make space for a shot. He then swung his left foot and fired the ball into the bottom corner of the net past Anthony Lopes in the Lyon goal.
PSG were able to comfortably hold on for their first win in Lyon since November 2016.
Neymar Steps Up Once More
Just like last weekend, Neymar was the hero once again for PSG by scoring a late winner.
He might not be the most popular of figures in Paris after he tried to move away from the club in the summer.
However, without him PSG would have dropped four points in their last two Ligue 1 games.
Just as it looked like they would have to settle for a point, Neymar showed a touch of class to give them the win.
With Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani out injured, Neymar has stepped up to the plate and deserves credit for that.
He has been constantly booed since his return to club football but if he scores winning goals like he has the last two weeks, those boos will soon turn into cheers.
Lyon Toothless
This was a poor display from Lyon. They defended well and looked like they would secure a point.
However, going forward they were awful. You would have expected more, especially considering they were at home.
But they failed to test Keylor Navas in the PSG goal who barely had a save to make.
It is disappointing how toothless up front they were, considering they have the likes of Moussa Dembele and Memphis Depay up front. In fact, they failed to have a shot on target.
Time and again they failed to provide them with any kind of service.
Lyon are now seven points behind PSG and already any title hopes look over. Les Gones manager Sylvinho will know they will have to improve.
Next up, is a trip to Brest on Wednesday in Ligue 1.
The same night, PSG host Stade Reims.
Written by David Coates
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