PARIS: Edinson Cavani’s superb scoring form continued when the Uruguay striker reached a century of goals in Ligue 1 with a brace in unbeaten leaders Paris St Germain’s 5-0 romp away to Angers on Saturday.
With his 12th and 13th goals of the season, Cavani struck each side of the interval, as did France striker Kylian Mbappe, while Germany winger Julian Draxler in a contest that showed PSG’s attacking might even without Neymar.
The world’s most expensive player sat out the game at the Stade Raymond Kopa with a minor thigh problem picked up in the midweek Champions League win over Anderlecht but he was not missed as PSG moved to 32 points from 12 games and maintained a four-point lead over Monaco.
Neymar’s countryman, Dani Alves, set up Mbappe in the fifth minute and Draxler in the 14th. Mbappe’s clever back heel allowed Cavani to sweep in his 100th league goal for the club in the 30th.
Draxler set up Cavani for the fourth goal and his 101st in just 144 games, with a pass from the right following a quick PSG counterattack an hour in. The typically hard-working Cavani started the move by winning the ball deep inside his own half.
PSG’s fifth of a demoralising day for Angers at home came from Mbappe following another break from inside PSG’s half.
Substitute Lucas played Mbappe clean through, and the 18-year-old France international sprinted clear and round the goalkeeper.
“For an attacker it is always important to score goals, all the more so when it means you can bring something to your team,” said Cavani. “I am happy, but I don’t think too much about records and statistics. I think about giving my best for the my team, that’s all.”
Reigning champions Monaco responded to PSG’s victory by going one better as they dismantled En Avant Guingamp, winning 6-0 at the Stade Louis II, the second time they have scored six in the league this season.
The principality club were without the likes of Djibril Sidibe, Thomas Lemar and Radamel Falcao but their second string ran riot.
Guido Carrillo marked his first start this season with a brace and Adama Traore also scored twice, while Keita Balde got his third goal in three Ligue 1 games and Fabinho converted a penalty.
Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2017