FIVE-STAR PARIS!
In their second home match of the season, Paris were far too strong for Saint-Etienne on Sunday, running out 5-0 winners at the Parc. A five-star performance with a stunning individual display from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, returning from injury and netting a hat-trick.
It was a highly-anticipated clash, with a European feel, and it ended with a Parisian master class! The main message to take from the evening: the French champions ended the month of August by flexing their might. Defensively, Paris kept a third consecutive clean sheet, thanks in large part to a spectacular Salvatore Sirigu (36', 82'). In midfield, the Italian duo Verratti and Motta monopolised the ball, while Pastore lit up the Parc with his skills. While in attack... Ibra's hat-trick (41', 63', 72'), and a superb Cavani strike (65') showcased the pairs class! Rarely troubled by a Saint-Etienne side feeling the effects of their Europa League joust on Thursday, the capital club fulfilled their objectives in the second home match of the season: turn on the style for their adoring public; send a serious message to the rest of the Ligue 1: this side is ready to move back to the top of the standings! After just four games, Bordeaux are just two points clear. Now Les Rouge et Bleu must go on with the job away to Rennes in two weeks' time.
In recent years, the Saint-Etienne goalkeeper has shown against Paris that he is one of the best in the land. Three days after his penalty shoot-out heroics sent ASSE into the group stage of the Champions League, the 'keeper endured a difficult night. It all started in the 24th minute, with a back pass from Clément that the France international miss-controlled and let run into his own net (24'). It was the moment that marked the beginning of the Parisian onslaught.
We were waiting for his comeback and it was... impressive, to say the least! In his very physical battle with the Stéphanois Mustapha Sall, the Swedish giant won by a knockout! He opened his account with a powerful header just before the break (41'), before adding two more goals as he raced clear of the Verts' defence. One-on-one with Zlatan, the sanction is always the same… Ruffier and his defence found out first hand (63', 72'). Zlatan received an ovation, in accordance with his performance - magnificent (74'). With 5 goals after 4 Ligue 1 matches, the number 10 is already top of the goal-scoring charts. Zlatan left the field, with the match ball for the sixth time.
