Birthday boy Mbappe celebrates in style
“Where will I be in two years? Frankly, I don’t know,” said Kylian Mbappe to France Football this week. The striker has been edging his bets about a future move, despite only just arriving back at the French capital.
He shone once again against Caen and assisted the opening goal when he beat three defenders with a mixture of skill and pace before crossing for Edinson Cavani to flick past the Caen keeper Remy Vercoutre. Ronny Rodelin almost struck back immediately, but Kevin Trapp was equal to the effort.
Cavani almost added his second when Marquinhos expertly chipped the ball into the path of his fellow Brazilian Neymar, who headed it down for the striker. The Uruguayan is now just one goal behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s all-time PSG scoring record.
Mbappe did double the league leaders lead when he turned home Giovani Lo Celso’s cross. He was sporting a new white haircut on his 19th birthday and he illustrated his pedigree once more.
Neymar hit the post before he set-up Yuri Berchiche for the third. Ivan Santini scored a late consolation from the penalty spot after Thiago Silva handled the ball in the area.
Monaco continue the chase
Radamel Falcao scored his 15th league goal of the season, as Monaco beat Rennes 2-1. The Colombian forward took advantage after Rony Lopes’ shot hit the post.
A penalty from Wahbi Khazri within the hour seemed to have given Rennes a share of the points. However, Keita scored for the second time this week to give Monaco a much-needed win.
The reigning champions would need a near perfect 2018 in order to maintain their title. They remain nine points behind PSG, but Leornado Jardim is realistic about his side's chances of overturning the gap.
“The war for the 2nd place will last maybe until the end of the championship,” admits Jardim. “Now it’s important to take advantage of the truce between our loved ones and come back with a lot of energy for the 2nd half of the season.”
Fekir finishes off an impressive year
Lyon won their sixth away game in a row to maintain their position in the chasing pack alongside Monaco. Nabil Fekir impressed yet again and gave them the lead with a penalty against Toulouse.
Former Manchester United defender Rafael confirmed the win in stoppage time when he beat goalkeeper Alban Lafont at his near post. Max Gradel also netted from the spot in the 95th minute for Toulouse, but it was too late.
Payet helps Marseille get back on track
Marseille had to come from behind to defeat Troyes, as Bryan Pele gave the away side a surprise lead. Dimitri Payet equalised 15 minutes later with an exquisite finish with the outside of his boot which nestled in the top corner.
The former West Ham United attacking midfielder was the best player on the pitch, but he has unfortunately not been as consistent this term. If Rudi Garcia can get him back to his best in the New Year, then it might give them the edge in the race for a Champions League position.
In the second half, goals from Luiz Gustavo and Valere Germain ensured the 3-1 win at the Orange Velodrome. Marseille are three points behind both Lyon and Monaco, although they can still improve in attack.
Will Balotelli stay?
Nice continued their unbeaten run, but on this occasion, it was without their talisman Mario Balotelli. They drew 1-1 with Lille after Bassem Srarfi put them in front only to be pinned back by Anwar El Ghazi’s strike after the break.
Lucien Favre’s men have not lost in their last five domestically, whilst that defeat was to an in-form Lyon. Balotelli has been linked with a January move away from the club, although he would be wise to stay put given his resurgence under the right conditions.
Honourable mentions
Bottom side Metz won back-to-back matches for the first time this season and recorded only their third in total. They followed up the weekend’s 3-1 win over Montpellier with a 3-0 victory at home to Strasbourg.
Metz are still seven points behind 19th placed Angers, but it’s been a great five days for the club. They won’t have wanted the winter break to come and they still have a long five months ahead of them.
