Monday 11 February 2013

Six-y time for PSG as Ligue 1 rivals falter

As weekends go, the one just past couldn't have been much better for those of a Parisien persuasion.

Paris Saint-Germain won again, 3-1 on Friday night against Bastia. The biggest surprise of the match was that Salvatore Sirigu finally conceded a goal, some 947 minutes after he last picked the ball out of his own net. The Italian probably won't want to see Wahbi Khazri's 40-yard free kick again, positioned as he was a little too far out of his goal, giving the Moroccan the space to bend a terrific shot in at the near post.

By that stage though, PSG's much changed line-up was already two goals to the good. The first half was a frustrating one, with Les Rouge-et-Bleu dominating possession but unable to find a way through. The closest they came was an effort from Kevin Gameiro which rebounded away off the post.

Jeremy Menez, another player back in the starting XI after a spell on the bench, was at the heart of most of PSG's good work, so it was fitting that he got the opening goal in the second period, firing in a shot from outside the box which squirmed under the body of visiting stopper Mickael Landreau.

Zlatan was then summoned from the bench, and got his customary goal from the penalty spot after Lucas Moura had been tripped. Replays showed that the offence occurred outside the box, but Ibra didn't mind and casually slotted his 21st goal of the season into the corner. The goal means the Swede has already equaled the total achieved by last year's golden boot winners, Nene and Olivier Giroud. With 14 games to go one suspects he has a good chance of surpassing their tallies.

Then came Khazri's goal, and a few nervous moments at the back, before another substitute, Ezequiel Lavezzi, put the result beyond doubt after Landreau had parried a cross from Clement Chantome into his path. The former PSG stopper's goalkeeping was as dodgy as the strange pajama bottoms he was wearing.

The win looks all the more valuable given that nine-man Marseille only managed a draw with Evian, and last night second place Lyon were soundly beaten 3-1 by Lille. Because of this our six point lead over OL remains intact, with OM a further two points behind. Woof.

Attentions now turn to matters Champions League, and the squad have flown out to Spain ahead of tomorrow night's clash with Valencia. PSG will be without their injured Thiagos, Silva and Motta, but are otherwise at full strength.

David Beckham won't be there of course, having spent the weekend in the States supporting Victoria at New York Fashion week. Glad to see he's taking his efforts to get match fit seriously. Details of his salary package emerged yesterday, with the former England skipper said to be taking home a not-insignificant €31,000 per month.

You'll remember that Becks announced that he would be paying for free when he was unveiled a couple of weeks ago, but the French players union put a spanner in those particular works by announcing that he would have to be paid at least the minimum footballer's wage, some €2,200 per month.

As well as his salary, the club will also to cover accommodation and security costs, according to a report in Le Parisien. "The club will provide two bodyguards whose mission is valued at €20,000", notes the journal. Sounds like nice work if you can get it.

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