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“It’s both beautiful and frustrating,” states Luis Enrique. The French club's coach has a complex relationship with how his team’s league matches play out. In PSG's matches, one team goes forward and the other defends. “Breaking down deep defenses appeals to me,” he insists. “It is the phase of play that I am most familiar with. I am very respectful of how other teams play. Though unconventional compared to our style, I acknowledge and welcome it.”

Accepting low blocks is unavoidable for PSG; it's their constant situation, a result of the quality difference created by budget inequality. Their quality typically shines through and the low-block is unlocked with varying degrees of difficulty. However, this campaign has been more challenging.

Game Dominance Yet Poor Output

The Parisians have maintained nearly three-quarters of possession in Ligue 1 so far this campaign. Versus Nice last weekend, they had 76.5% of the ball and made numerous passes, versus just Nice's 182. Before the break, the Portuguese midfielder had numerous ball contacts – only six less than the entire Nice team – but PSG failed to convert their control. At halftime, Nice defender Juma Bah, whose goal-bound attempt was blocked by his teammate, had nearly scored.

This performance wasn't isolated. They had shared points in three out of four Ligue 1 games. They had 71% possession against Strasbourg, but were reliant on a last-minute Senny Mayulu equaliser to earn a draw. Although possessing dominant control against their midweek opponents in midweek, they managed just one goal and were unable to win. Almost one third of the way into the season, PSG are only the fifth top scorers in Ligue 1 – behind multiple domestic rivals.

Forward Line Struggles

This stems from the special treatment that PSG garner, but also indicates a serious concern. Their forwards are not scoring. The French international's 29 goals last season helped PSG win Ligue 1 and the Champions League; Bradley Barcola scored 14 goals in the league; The talented youngster hit 16 across all tournaments; and Their winter signing scored eight after his winter transfer.

He received the golden ball and, while it is arguable that the French star is indeed the global standout, it is difficult to argue that he was not the top performer of the last season. He has just five goals in 12 games this season. He suffered a thigh issue while on national team service in last month, which caused a conflict between PSG and the France team that has seen the relationship between the two institutions decline. The player was absent for around a month and a half of action as a result, but he appears below his best. Post-match against their rivals, he was seen touching his muscle. “The pain is intense,” he told fellow player Hakimi.

Injury Concerns

Luis Enrique says their star can play to face their European opponents this week in the European competition but, while he regains his form, teammates must contribute. Unfortunately, Doué cannot help. The former Rennes forward was also injured in September. He was returning to his best when he was suffered another muscle issue, which is likely to keep him out until next month. The Georgian is a massive asset to his team but he often saves his best performances for the crucial games in the European stage; he is yet to score in Ligue 1 this season. Another forward, PSG’s top scorer in all competitions this season, has just a single strike in his last eight games and is in a fallow period. Something of a purple-patch forward, the form will certainly come back, but he can’t be expected to be the goalscorer in this costly PSG attack.

The Portuguese striker found the match-winner against Nice but will he remain in the lineup in the team?

That was the job given to their striker when he arrived in 2023. The international forward hit the century of 100 appearances for PSG against Nice, but he has come off the bench in the majority of those appearances. With 18 of his 38 goals after coming on as a substitute, he has effectively embraced the role of the “finisher”, somewhat owing to his ineffectiveness when selected, but mainly owing to his coach's hesitation to start with a conventional No 9. “How come I score frequently as a substitute? Well, simply because my appearances are mainly from the bench,” quipped Ramos after the match.

Decisive Period

As scoring has decreased across the forward line, his late decisive goal has given his manager food for thought. Their number nine missed three chances before scoring his final and deciding the game, but the fact that their prime opportunities fell to him is significant. He’s an instinctive poacher and that is what PSG were acquiring when they invested €65m. “He's a crucial squad member for us because he is constantly prepared for every match, even if he begins on the bench,” said the manager. “Short cameos from the striker are valuable time.” The moment might have come for the bench specialist to play a starring role.

Ligue 1 Matches

• Rennes 4-1 Strasbourg
• Lens 3-0 Lorient
• Lille 1-0 Angers
• Nantes 0-2 Metz
• Toulouse 0-0 Le Havre
• Brest 0-0 Lyon
• PSG 1-0 Nice
• Monaco 0-1 Paris FC
• Auxerre 0-1 Marseille

League Standings

Position	Team	Played	Goal Difference	Points
1	PSG	11	12	24
2	Marseille	11	14	22
3	Lens	11	7	22
4	Lille	11	10	20
5	Monaco	11	6	20
6	Lyon	11	4	20
7	Strasbourg	11	6	19
8	Nice	11	0	17
9	Toulouse	11	2	15
10	Rennes	11	1	15
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