For the first of Mauricio Pochettino on the bench, PSG was held in check on the lawn of Saint-Etienne (1-1). Find the tops and flops of this meeting.
Tops
Two irreproachable guardians
A distant duel without a winner. Rhythmic and pleasant, this meeting was marked by the saving interventions of the two goalkeepers. Keylor Navas, still as imperial in the Parisian cage, notably made two beautiful saves in the first period. More criticized in the Forez, Jessy Moulin also pulled out the big game. His hand remained firm on the attempts of Kean, Marquinhos or Di Maria.
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Verratti in the lead
The strong choice of Mauricio Pochettino for his premiere. Marco Verratti, usual torchbearer, has been aligned in a more attacking role. And the Italy international did well. True custodian of the Parisian game, especially in the first period, he magnetized all the balls (144 balls hit, Opta) and played fair, despite the opposing marking and pressure. Author on Kean’s equalizer for his first assist of the season. Repositioned lower for the last half hour, it has, for once, experienced no physical pumping.
Hamouma still there
Back in ASSE’s starting XI, Romain Hamouma delivered a big game. The 33-year-old, very mobile on the attacking front, hurt PSG, with his calls or his pressing on the defense. Author of the Saint-Etienne goal early in the match, with an inspired strike, the former Manceau also distinguished himself with several valuable defensive returns in the second half. Irreproachable.
Flops
Di Maria on a bad night
In the tough at the end of 2020 under Thomas Tuchel, Angel Di Maria has not started 2021 in a better way. The Argentina international, in the right lane, didn’t weigh enough in the game. Too discreet and messy in its centers. Logically replaced at the end of the match, a few minutes after having stumbled on Moulin on his only occasion of the meeting.
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Kehrer does not reassure
Kimpembé injured, Mauricio Pochettino has decided to establish Thilo Kehrer in central hinge alongside Marquinhos. The German showed great excitement again, especially in the first half. On the edge of the penalty early in the match for an unsanctioned foul on Debuchy from a corner, he then put Gueye in trouble with the opener.