As Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 with a 2-0 victory over Monaco, Kylian Mbappe joined a ton-up club with a first-half double against his former team.
PSG had been held to draws in their previous two league games by Nice and Lens, and they came close to falling behind at the Parc des Princes on Sunday when Sofiane Diop hit the woodwork early on.
However, the hosts took control soon after when Mbappe scored a penalty and added a second in the first half, taking his tally for PSG to 100 goals in the French top division. According to Opta, he is the youngest player to reach that milestone for any French top-flight squad since at least 1950-51.
Diop was denied by the left post after just two minutes, before a VAR review resulted in a 12th-minute penalty at the other end for an apparent trip by Djibril Sidibe on Angel Di Maria.
Mbappe duly converted into the bottom-left corner from the spot, before a wayward Youssouf Fofana pass allowed PSG’s France striker to double his account in the 45th minute.
Lionel Messi intercepted before driving forward and unleashing Mbappe, who curled with pinpoint accuracy into the bottom-right corner to reach his century of goals with PSG.
Messi whipped narrowly over the bar with a free-kick after the interval and then dragged just wide minutes later, while Monaco rarely looked like troubling Gianluigi Donnarumma in an otherwise uneventful second half as PSG cantered to victory.
What does it mean? PSG extend unbeaten streak and Ligue 1 lead
Pochettino’s side, despite previously disappointing with draws in successive league games, are unbeaten in their last nine French top-flight outings.
PSG had won just four of their 19 home games against Monaco in Ligue 1 this century, but this time they managed to overcome Niko Kovac’s in-form side. Monaco had been in great shape, with a 3-1 win over Angers and a 4-0 drubbing of Metz ahead of this game.
Magical Messi aids Mbappe
Mbappe will take all the plaudits for yet another brilliant attacking display, but attacking partner Messi’s role should not go under the radar.
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The former Barcelona man has now been involved in goals in consecutive games for the first time in his PSG career, having scored twice against Club Brugge in the Champions League, and he provided a joint team-high two chances – including an assist – in a delightful display.
Silly Sidibe
Sidibe opened the door for the hosts when he carelessly stood on Di Maria’s foot to offer PSG the early penalty.
Alongside earning a caution, Sidibe has now conceded nine spot-kicks since his top-flight debut in 2012-13, and no current player has given away more in that period.
What’s next?
PSG visit fifth-tier outfit SC Feignies in the Coupe de France next Sunday, while Monaco travel to Red Star on the same day. Mauricio Pochettino’s side return to league action away at Lorient on 22 December, when Kovac’s team host Rennes.
