Unai Emery’s Paris Saint-Germain began the long road back to recovery by pounding Frederic Hantz’s FC Metz 5-0 at Le Parc des Princes in Paris. Christopher Nkunku led the way with a brace in the 20th and 28th minute in a rare five-star performance. Other goalscorers included Thomas Meunier (5′), Kylian Mbappe (45′ + 1′) and Thiago Silva (82′).
“It was important to get back to winning ways, especially here at home, in front of our fans,” said Emery. “We need to keep moving forward and work hard to reach our goals. We want to win the league and the two domestic Cups. We produced a very complete performance tonight and we have to keep going like this.”
144 – @PSG_English have scored 144 goals in all comps in 2017/18, new record for the team in a single season. Crackers. pic.twitter.com/OAIFpNpxbl
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) March 10, 2018
Statistically, Paris won the possession battle (58 percent to 42 percent) despite being dominated in shots (14 to 13) and shots on goal (12 to seven) by the visitors. PSG were offsides six times to Metz’s one and also won the corner battle, nine to two. Metz goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima was best on ground for the Grenats with six saves.
“It was a great night, with, above all, a big win,” said Nkunku. “We also kept another clean sheet. It was a very good match for us. The aim was to pick up the three points, and that’s job done. For me, it was a special day. It was incredible to score twice, here at the Parc, in front of my family.”
3 – Christopher Nkunku has scored 3 goals in only 2 starts in Ligue 1 this season. Titi. pic.twitter.com/W0Dp4DCixS
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) March 10, 2018
“It’s incredible to have played here at the Parc des Princes, in front of thousands of Paris fans and alongside such great players,” added USMNT hopeful Timothy Weah, the son of George Weah, who made his second appearance for the Parisians. “It”s a dream come true for me to play for the same club as my father.”
Paris Saint-Germain have two matches this week. PSG are at home this Wednesday against Angers SCO (kickoff: 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET) before taking on OGC Nice on the road in a bid for payback for last year’s setback at the Allianz Riviera on Mar. 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 a.m. PT/8 a.m. ET.
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