Three Takeaways From PSG Defeating Le Mans at Home: Analysis

On Saturday evening, PSG registered their third straight win in Ligue 1 after defeating newly promoted side Le Mans 3-1 at the Parc Des Princes, in the first meeting between the two sides since May of 2010. 

So, what are the main takeaways from this win at home?

The depth of the side 

As we know, PSG were without key players Nuno Mendes and Ousmane Dembele for this one, as they were allowed a period of rest by the club. Furthermore, Vitinha, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, Fabian Ruiz, Marquinhos and Willian Pacho were all left out of the starting XI - presumably with the game against Manchester City in mind. 

But the 'second unit', for want of a better phrase, really stepped up in this one. Lucas Berlado, once again operating in midfield, opened the scoring with a penalty in the first half. 

Meanwhile, Maghnes Akliouche scored his first goal in PSG colours midway through the second half, with a really well taken left footed finish that helped ease the nerves with the PSG faithful. 

At the back, Lucas Hernandez and Ilya Zabarnyi looked pretty assured as a duo in the most part, and that is perhaps something Luis Enrique can look at again in the future when it comes to domestic games. 

Warren Zaire-Emery's versatility and importance shows again

In the 58th minute of the game, Zaire-Emery was introduced to the action, replacing Joao Neves. Within 10 minutes, he had assisted Akliouche, and he also created a big chance that was sadly not taken. 

His assist came from a midfield position, before then moving to right-back around a quarter of an hour after coming on. So, he showed how versatile he can be whilst also showing that he is not just a 'jack of all trades, master of none' player, he has genuine quality too, wherever he is deployed. 

PSG are getting close to where they belong

In the last few games, we have seen Enrique's side getting close to being back to their best, with three important victories. Meanwhile, league leaders AS Monaco could only draw 2-2 at home to Toulouse, despite being 2-0 up, so the gap to the top of the league is now just three points. Slowly getting there, despite the weirdly tough start to the campaign. 

Overall, a very good night at the office, and just what the doctor ordered ahead of the big game with Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, in what will be City's first home game since *that* news dropped.