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Goals in each half from Idrissa Gueye and Lionel Messi saw PSG beat Manchester City 2-0 in a 2021-22 UEFA Champions League game on Tuesday. The French outfit, who now sit atop Group A, thus avenged last season’s semi-final loss against the same opposition.
The home side took an early lead in the game, with Gueye putting PSG ahead with a forceful finish in the eighth minute. The visitors had a few chances to level, but failed to capitalise even as PSG seemed content to sit back and counter.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men then killed off the contest in the 74th minute as Messi bagged his first goal for the club. PSG's clinical attacking display was complemented by a solid shift at the back, which saw them keep a clean sheet.
On that note, here are the player ratings for both sides from the game at the Parc des Princes.
PSG Player Ratings against Manchester City
Gianluigi Donnarumma: 7/10
Despite being a mainstay in league and international football, Donnarumma made his Champions League debut in this game. He marked the occasion with a fabulous performance. The 22-year-old made seven excellent saves en route to keeping a well-deserved clean sheet.
Achraf Hakimi: 6/10
The Moroccan was equally impressive in attack and defence. He successfully kept Grealish quiet while also bombing forward at every opportunity.
Marquinhos: 5/10
The Brazilian formed an effective defensive shield along with Kimpembe, and played his part in PSG's clean sheet.
Presnel Kimpembe: 5/10
The Frenchman looked a tad nervous during set-pieces, but was commanding when the ball was on the ground. Kimpembe enjoyed a 100% success rate with his tackles, and also popped up with key interceptions against City.
Nuno Mendes: 6/10
Despite City seemingly focusing their attacks down his flank, the 19-year-old rose to the occasion manfully and kept Mahrez & co. at bay.
Marco Verratti: 5/10
The Italian delivered a performance that veered between reckless and sublime. While he made five recoveries and completed 42 passes with an accuracy of 42%, he also lost the ball carelessly in dangerous areas.
His final contribution to the game was a yellow card for a mistimed tackle, after which he was replaced immediately.
Ander Herrera: 6/10
The former Manchester United man turned in a quietly efficient performance against his erstwhile local rivals. Herrera popped up with notable contributions at either end of the pitch against City. He showed excellent desire and work rate throughout.
Idrissa Gueye: 8/10
It was a magnificent all-round display from Gueye, whose early goal set PSG on their way against City. The Senegalese international maintained a 91% pass accuracy, and made eight recoveries. He covered virtually every blade of grass on the pitch.
Lionel Messi: 7.5/10
Messi grew in influence as the game progressed against Chelsea. That culminated in the player scoring his first goal for PSG, a supremely well-taken finish.
Kylian Mbappe: 6/10
Despite a few frustrating moments, Mbappe was full of running. He played a part in both PSG goals against City, and also provided the assist for Messi’s strike.
Neymar: 5/10
While he looked dangerous in possession, Neymar did not really threaten in front of goal. The Brazilian has not scored in his last ten Champions League appearances, and his rustiness was evident on the night.
Ratings of PSG substitutes against Manchester City:
Georginio Wijnaldum: 5/10
Replaced Verratti in the 78th minute, and helped PSG comfortably see out the win and maintain their clean sheet.
Danilo Pereira: N.A.
He was not on for long enough to warrant a rating.
Manchester City Player Ratings against PSG
Ederson: 5/10
There were conflicting emotions for the City keeper against PSG. He could do nothing about either of PSG’s goals, but only had one notable save to make otherwise.
Kyle Walker: 5/10
He dealt fairly well with the considerable attacking threat posed by Neymar, but did not offer much going forward.
Ruben Dias: 5/10
The Portuguese international was a threat from offensive set-pieces, but struggled to keep up in defence with PSG’s pacy front three.
Aymeric Laporte: 5/10
Like his central defensive partner, Laporte found it tough to keep pace with PSG’s attackers even though they were unable to really capitalise.
Joao Cancelo: 5/10
Although always willing to attack, it was in defence that Cancelo was found wanting. The City player picked up an early booking, and struggled to keep tabs on Messi throughout the game.
Bernardo Silva: 5/10
Playing a roving midfield role, Silva started the game brightly, but faded away later on. He also missed City’s best chance to score, hitting the bar from close range.
Rodri: 6/10
While City's attackers failed to impress, Rodri made a real impression in midfield against PSG. The Spaniard completed more passes (72) and more tackles (four) than anyone on the pitch.
Kevin De Bruyne: 5/10
The Belgian endured a frustrating outing. City's midfield metronome failed to create clear-cut opportunities in the face of a dogged PSG defence. He also picked up a first-half booking for a rash challenge on Gueye.
Riyad Mahrez: 5/10
The Algerian was City’s most potent attacking threat, as most of the visitors' attacks came down his flank. Despite having seven shots in the game, Mahrez was unable to make the most of the chances that came his way.
Raheem Sterling: 5/10
He struggled in his role as City’s false 9 as PSG’s attentive defending meant that goal-scoring opportunities were at a premium.
Jack Grealish: 4/10
City’s star summer signing was kept under wraps by Hakimi, who barely allowed Grealish any room to manoeuvre or create. Grealish was taken off with just over 20 minutes left to play.
Ratings of Manchester City substitutes against PSG
Phil Foden: 4/10
He replaced Grealish on the left for the final 20 minutes. But Foden did not have an opportunity to make much of an impact against PSG.
Gabriel Jesus: N.A.
The Brazilian came on for Raheem Sterling for the final few minutes of the game against PSG. But he barely got a touch on the ball.
