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Mbappe hat-trick & unbeatable Donnarumma send PSG top

Published

10 months ago

November 11, 2023

PSG player ratings vs Reims: Hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe makes the difference – but Gianluigi Donnarumma deserves huge credit as defending champions go top of Ligue 1

The France forward was clinical in front of goal while the Italian goalkeeper made seven excellent saves to lift Luis Enrique’s side to the summit

Kylian Mbappe grabbed the goals at one end, and Gianluigi Donnarumma kept Paris Saint-Germain alive at the other as Luis Enrique’s side saw off an adventurous Reims on Saturday. Despite being out-shot and failing to control the game for long periods, Mbappe’s hat-trick and Donnarumma’s glut of saves secured a 3-0 win that was harder-earned than the scoreline suggested.

Mbappe opened the scoring after three minutes, guiding a volley into the bottom corner after a fine piece of set-up play from Ousmane Dembele. Reims almost equalised immediately, though, when Junya Ito had the ball in the net — only for the goal to be ruled out for an offside in the build-up. The home side had further chances, too, as they peppered the PSG goal for most of the first half, forcing Donnarumma into three sharp saves.

Mbappe found a crucial second after the break, though, as Carlos Soler burst down the left, and played a perfectly-weighted pass for the oncoming Frenchman — who couldn’t miss from three yards out. Reims goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf made one impressive stop keep Mbappe from completing his treble, but the France captain couldn’t be denied at the second time of asking, as he drifted into space inside the box and curled a cut-back into the far corner to kill the game for good.

90minsoccer rates PSG’s players from Stade Auguste-Delaune II…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Made a few neat saves in the first half to keep his side ahead. Was even better after the break. Arguably his best showing in a PSG shirt so far.

Carlos Soler

A puzzling inclusion at right-back. Assisted Mbappe’s second, but was nightmarish defensively.

Marquinhos

Made a couple of crucial blocks inside the first 10 minutes to protect the lead. Equally important in the second half. PSG’s captain is nearing his best.

Milan Skriniar

The muscle at the back for the Parisians, though he wasn’t always the most comfortable on the ball.

Nordi Mukiele

A solid run out for a player who is still working his way back from injury. Kept things tidy, and didn’t do much wrong.

Midfield

Warren Zaire-Emery

A bit quieter than usual as Reims controlled the middle of the park. Some good moments, but is clearly more effective with a bigger defensive midfielder alongside him.

Fabian Ruiz

Looked overwhelmed by Reims’ midfield in the first half, but was much better as his side grew into the game after the break.

Lee Kang-In

Made plenty of driving runs, and got most of his distribution right, too. He’s been impressive recently.

Attack

Ousmane Dembele

Set up the Parisians’ opener, even if his assist was probably an overhit cross to Mbappe. Impactful otherwise, but his final pass was lacking.

Goncalo Ramos

Handed a start with Kolo Muani suspended. Only lasted 45 minutes. He’s struggling in Paris.

Kylian Mbappe

Took his first goal wonderfully with a signature driven finish. Angled his run perfectly to bag his second. Made a tricky third look easy. Moved to a more central position in the second half, where he was even more involved. The world’s best?

Subs & Manager

Vitinha

Introduced at half-time to offer some midfield control. Was crucial in PSG’s revival after the break.

Bradley Barcola

An exciting cameo. Assisted Mbappe’s third.

Cher Ndour

No time to make an impact.

Lucas Hernandez

Prevented any late blushes with a solid 10 minutes.

Luis Enrique

Made some odd decisions, including Soler at full-back and starting a rather light midfield. His side grabbed an early goal, were second-best for long stretches, and turned it on for the last 30 minutes. Not perfect, but very good.