Paris St Germain had only enough power tonight against bank account rivals, AS Monaco, to secure a draw at the Parc Des Princes. Although this continues their unblemished record of being undefeated at home, the Parisian side has gotten there on a record based off 5 draws in 7 matches of play in Ligue 1. This of course is discounting the draw that Paris had to suffice in Amsterdam against Ajax in the Champions League in September.
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The clash between the French Riveria side and The Capital side had been a clash of titans last season, and as French journalist Jonathan Johnson puts it, “La Cashique”, yet since the departure of Monaco’s biggest hitters, the clash had lost some of its aura. Yet that lack of reputation did not assume Monaco would travel to the Parc Des Princes with playing for points as the whole match was will with urgency from Leonardo Jardim’s men.
Both sides had suffered to finish to add to their respective goal tally as both clubs had played without their most reliable sources of attack. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was once again, ruled out of the match with his continual heel issue and Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov also missed the match due to injury. The difference is, Paris has no excuse for not being able to finish. Edinson Cavani, having threatened his leave from the Capital if the formation was not changed, has gotten his wishes but does not seem to want to fulfill them.
Playing the Uruguayan centrally with the likes of Zlatan being absent has done nothing but allow El Matador to fail countless times in front of goal–although it is his preferred position. His hold on the ball is fragile at times; his confidence declines as the match progresses and for a club such as Paris, this is a serious problem.
Really distressing to see Cavani in this state. Zero self belief & he currently has the chance to be PSG's main man that he supposedly wants
— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) October 5, 2014
On the other hand it has allowed the attacking force as a entire squad to show through full backs, Maxwell and Gregory Van Der Wiel, all the way into the midfield with Blaise Matuidi and rejuvenated Javier Pastore in his brilliant #10 spot.
The Argentine has been elusive, creative and somewhat like a new player–very refreshing for Paris as they were under such scrutiny for spending this summer. Both sides had very deep stabs at goalkeepers Salvatore Sirigu and Danijel Subasic, but not finishes from either side until the 70th minute when Lucas found himself in the perfect position for a pass to net a late goal for Paris.
The casual play of Paris became prevalent as the side declined in power, although the Parc Des Princes echo of “Ici Cest Paris” grew, and Monaco capitalized on their open defenses to equalize in the 92nd minute. A easy tap in behind the defense by 18 year old Anthony Martial equalized for Jardim’s men and gave him his first goal of 2014.
But once again, defensive issues as a whole haunt PSG. The decline in will to push their opponents after a goal is not a strong way to finish a match. It opens glorious opportunities for their opponents, as demonstrated against Monaco today.
Not a good look for Laurent Blanc, once again.
Revons Plus Grand!