Our rival PSG is currently in an incredible run. They haven’t lost a single game after playing 16 matches, winning 15 games and only draw once. Meanwhile, we are sitting at the runner-up spot with 11 points behind the leader. We need this win. We have the potential to narrow down the difference to 8 points. Can we do it? Now, join me in the Lyon Journey and let’s find out!
Match Tactics
In this game, we are not going to do opponent analysis anymore because we are already quite familiar with their setup. With that being said, let’s straight jump into our starting line-up and tactics. Melvin Bard suffers an injury on the training ground and our current squad doesn’t have a backup left back. As a result, our vice-captain Leo Dubois has to fill the left back spot. Joachim Andersen and Jason Denayer are no stranger in the clash with PSG as they come in the central defender position. Kenny Tete is a reliable right back and his defending is great, which could cause some problems to Neymar. In centre midfielder position, I decide to drop Maxence Caqueret despite having a good form. Jean Lucas and Lucas Tousart are both big game players so I would rather drop the young kid for this important game. Houssem Aouar will continue his good form in the centre attacking midfielder position, so does the striker Moussa Dembele. Memphis Depay is our key player, so he will be starting as the left winger. Bertrand Traore is injured hence I choose Riccardo Orsolini to play at the right flank.
In terms of the instructions, I have made a few adjustments. We are not going to play wider in this game as we want to keep the possession by playing narrower. In transition, we are going for regroup as well. PSG’s attackers are fast and rapid. If we were counter pressing them, our defensive shape would be exposed which allowed them to hit counterattack on us. I also made some changes regarding the defensive line and line of engagement. We lower down the line of engagement from standard to lower, meanwhile raising our defensive line to higher. The idea is pretty obvious, as we did this before against PSG as well, to keep the possession and limit their space.
Match Goals
Kylian Mbappe 50’ – This goal was a 50/50 between mistake and luck. PSG had a throw in and Mbappe received the ball. He dribbled into the box with Leo Dubois following him and tried his luck on goal. Anthony Lopes did get a touch on, but the ball still went into the net.
Although left back could be a little bit awkward for Leo Dubois, defending skills shouldn’t be a problem for a defender. In this particular case, he followed Mbappe instead of marking him. I personally saw it as he wasn’t putting enough pressure on the PSG striker. On the other hand, Anthony Lopes our shot stopper didn’t do well. He did get a touch on the ball, and in my opinion, he should have at least punch it the ball out.
Riccardo Orsolini 52’ – We were back into the game right after a minute. Memphis Depay took the corner, perfectly delivered the ball into the centre area. Riccardo Orsolini with a big jump and headed the ball into the back of the net.
This was an incredible goal. I wasn’t expecting a goal from set pieces, especially against PSG. In this corner goal, Orsolini actually beat Thiago Silva. I was shocked when I see this, because Orsolini’s jumping reach and heading attributes are both 13.
Houssem Aouar 62’ – I loved this goal so much. It was from another set piece again, but this time it was a free kick. Memphis, again, our set piece specialist, crossed the ball into the penalty box. Joachim Andersen had a small touch to the six-yard box. Houssem Aouar rushed towards the ball and scored the winning goal.
Match Stats
Stats speak louder than words. I would say we dominated the game in general. We had 21 shots, 9 on target and 49% of possession. On the other hand, PSG had slighter higher possession than us which 51%, but they only had 12 shots in total. The Man of The Match was our defender Joachim Andersen who provided an assist and sent out 3 key passes.
Let’s look at the league table now. After 17 games, we are currently sitting at the 2nd position on the table with 38 points. I am very happy with the boys’ performance in beating PSG 2-1, which narrow down the point difference to 8 points. OM is 1 point behind us, so we definitely have to try our best and win the remaining games.
Conclusion
It’s nearly half season now and I have to admit we were better last season. Things aren’t going as good as last season, but we will still fight until the end. In next chapter, we are going to do a half season review. Winter transfer is coming soon, which means we have the chance to strengthen our squad again. Thank you for reading the Lyon Journey, and I will see you guys next time! Take care, folks!
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ABT Football Manager 