why Luis Enrique’s Paris holds its benchmark match for the rest of the season

Imperial from start to finish, Paris Saint-Germain achieved a convincing success against Olympique de Marseille (4-0), Sunday September 24 at the Parc des Princes. Four days after a promising victory against Borussia Dortmund (2-0) in the Champions League, PSG achieved its “most complete match” from the start of the season according to the words of his coach Luis Enrique, at a press conference. Paris equaled its largest home victory against OM in its history and above all made promises for the rest of its season.

Because the recruits have unlocked their counter

So dependent on the success of Kylian Mbappé, author of eight of the 12 Parisian goals so far, PSG showed that it could act without its jewel. The exit of the captain of the Blues in the 30th minute, due to an ankle injury, did not de-oil the machine. Better still, this bad news did not prevent Paris from widening the gap. Bondynois’ replacement, Gonçalo Ramos, who has had little success since his arrival, scored twice (47th, 89th). The Portuguese opened his account in the capital, just like Randal Kolo Muani (37th).

For these offensive players, the anxiety of the white page is gone. Ousmane Dembélé still has to wait, but he provided his first assist, when Bradley Barcola was restless while he was enjoying his very first start in the capital. Sometimes singled out for its offensive waste, Paris only needed five shots on target to score four times on Sunday evening.

Because Luis Enrique validated another tactical option

Usually positioned in 4-3-3, PSG this time played in a pattern oscillating between 4-2-4 and 3-4-3, with Dembélé and Barcola as very offensive wingers. This new device did not revolutionize the principles, and Paris monopolized the ball, as always under Luis Enrique, (77% possession). But it allowed them to further establish their occupation of the opposing camp. “As soon as we lost the ball, we accelerated the pressing”illustrated on Prime Video Kolo Muani, himself not stingy with defensive efforts.

The incorporation of Barcola into the eleven, the only change compared to the victory against Dortmund, was to the detriment of Vitinha. A very offensive and surprising choice, since the Portuguese midfielder had shone against Dortmund four days earlier. Between them, Warren Zaire-Emery and, above all, the tireless Manuel Ugarte (six successful tackles, nine balls recovered), ran for four to erase their numerical inferiority in midfield against three Marseillais.

Because Achraf Hakimi walks on water

He is in a way the symbol of this new face of PSG. Inconsistent and often too cautious last year, Achraf Hakimi shines in his right lane. The Moroccan planted a superb free kick and hit the post. He has been decisive in each of his last four matches (three goals, one assist).

His connection with Ousmane Dembélé on his side is beyond doubt and illustrates the automatisms already carefully acquired. Hakimi benefits from great offensive freedom and happily devours a new, slightly more axial attack zone.“It’s really cool when you see your team playing with that level of connection.”, rejoiced Luis Enrique on Sunday. This alchemy had already been seen in the Moroccan’s goal against Dortmund, a perfect conclusion after a high-flying combination with Vitinha.

Because the Parisian defense found itself

Not content with running at full speed offensively, Paris also has its back. PSG did not concede a goal for the second meeting in a row, after the victory against Dortmund in C1 (2-0). This is the first time in eleven months that he has achieved this performance, although it is banal for a club of such a level.

Taken from behind three times against Nice on the last day, Paris left practically nothing for this admittedly convalescing OM. The Phocéens tried to operate on the counter, but most of their initiatives were nipped in the bud by the Parisian pressing. In all, Marseille only attempted six shots, hitting none.