Ligue 1 Gameweek 11 Review: PSG And Monaco Both Win

Is Cavani PSG’s most important player? 

With Neymar suspended following last week’s sending off, it was Edinson Cavani that ensured Paris Saint-Germain returned to winning ways against Nice. Cavani headed in his first from an Angel Di Maria free-kick, although Wesley Sneijder’s one-man wall certainly could have done more to prevent the cross. 

Di Maria provided yet another assist for the Uruguayan, when he chipped the ball into his path. Cavani’s run was expertly timed, as he rounded Nice goalkeeper Walter Benitez and doubled PSG’s lead.

The striker now has 11 goals in Ligue One, which is 32% of PSG’s total tally. Dante’s own goal gave the home side a comfortable 3-0 victory, with Nice offering little threat.

It’s looking increasingly difficult for Lucien Favre to turn the situation around with confidence so low at the club. They lost all five of their matches in October, despite the fact that they took the lead twice. 

Lemar shows why there’s Premier League interest 

Monaco beat Bordeaux for the third time in a row. It’s an indication of the direction of the two clubs, as Monaco haven’t achieved the feat in 60 years. 

They were also without the league’s top goalscorer in Radamel Falcao, with Keita Balde Diao and Thomas Lemar providing the goals. It was the Senegalese striker’s second goal in successive games, whilst Lemar showed why Arsenal and Liverpool are so keen to acquire his services.

The many sales from Monaco this summer has added to the responsibility of the attacking midfielder, with coach Leonardo Jardim using a 4-2-3-1 formation once again. Lemar beat three players in a great solo run, although Bordeaux keeper Benoit Costil certainly should have done better to keep the shot out of the net. 

“With three in the centre of midfield we are more compact and that leaves less space for the opposition,” said Jardim. “It doesn't mean we're finished with the 4-4-2 but it's all about getting the best out of the players.”

Rodelin super-strike gives Caen victory

It has been a good week for Caen, with a 1-0 victory over FC Lorient in the Coupe de la Ligue in midweek and then another win by the same margin over Troyes. They had previously lost their past two matches in the league, but are now seventh in the table. 

On the half-hour mark, Ivan Santini’s header was controlled by Ronny Rodelin by the use of his chest and volleyed past Troyes goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa. The away team had their opportunities to level, with Bryan Pele and Samuel Grandsir coming closest. 

“It's really positive to have won and to be on 18 points,” Caen coach Patrice Garande said. “We scored a fantastic goal.”

Troyes boss Jean-Louis Garcia added: “In the second half we could have got back on terms. It's a pity that we conceded to something we'd prepared for.” 

Fekir double should worry Everton 

Nabil Fekir scored twice in the opening 20 minutes to give Lyon a 2-0 victory over Metz. Bruno Genesio’s men will have expected to have beaten the bottom side at home, but it’s the way they dispatched them so early and professionally. 

Fekir has now netted nine goals in 10 league games, which is as many as he scored last season. The club captain is only behind Falcao and Cavani in the scoring charts. 

Lyon have won their last four matches in all competitions. They will certainly fancy their chances of defeating Everton once again on Thursday. 

Marseille ruin Bielsa’s reunion

Lille boss Marcelo Bielsa faced his old club for the first time since he left Marseille two years ago. The Argentine resigned after conflicts with the hierarchy of The Olympians.

It was an early goal from Morgan Sanson that decided proceedings. Florian Thauvin’s free-kick was rolled across the area and the central midfielder hit it sweetly first time.

Marseille certainly weren’t as fluent without Dimitri Payet, Clinton N’Jie and Jordan Amavi, whilst goalkeeper Steve Mandanda had an excellent game. Lille and Bielsa feel that their performances are heading in the right direction, but they need to start getting results quickly. 

Honourable mentions 

Dijon won for the second consecutive league match, as they beat Nantes. Julio Tavares scored the only goal of the game, which was his third in all competitions. It was an impressive result when taken into consideration that Claudio Ranieri’s team haven’t lost in Ligue 1 since the start of August.