Goncalo Ramos and Kylian Mbappe rescue Paris St Germain against Clermont
Paris St Germain needed a late cameo from Kylian Mbappe and an 86th-minute equaliser by Goncalo Ramos to snatch a 1-1 draw with Ligue 1’s bottom club Clermont Foot.
With bigger tests to come – notably the first leg of their Champions League clash with Barcelona on Wednesday – Luis Enrique named a youthful PSG line-up and handed full debuts to a pair of 17-year-olds, Yoram Zague and Senny Mayulu.
But the Spaniard would still have expected to comfortably beat a side who kicked off six points adrift of even the relegation play-off place.
However, he had to summon Mbappe from the bench with 25 minutes remaining and the France forward duly set up Ramos to secure a point.
Enrique was forced into an early change when Nordi Mukiele collided with Clermont keeper Massamba Ndiaye and had to be replaced by Achraf Hakimi.
PSG’s first chance fell to Ramos, who was teed up by the lively Mayulu, but his shot was deflected wide.
Ramos then laid the ball off to Hakimi, whose low shot was saved by Ndiaye.
Clermont won on their last visit to Paris, on the final day of last season.
And they threatened another shock when they took the lead, totally against the run of play, after 31 minutes.
It was a calamitous goal to concede, with Neto Borges racing down the right and sending a high, hopeful cross towards the far post.
Alan Virginius turned the ball back into the path of Habib Keita and when Manuel Ugarte slid in to block, the ball looped up over home keeper Arnau Tenas and beyond the despairing slide of Milan Skriniar.
PSG had the ball in the net just before half-time when Mayulu drove home from the edge of the area, but a VAR check spotted a clear foul by fellow youngster Zague in the build-up.
After the break Marco Asensio swung in a dangerous free-kick which Danilo Pereira headed into the side-netting.
Moments later Mayulu drilled a low cross into the area and Hakimi crashed his shot against the underside of the crossbar.
Mbappe, sent on for his 300th PSG appearance, saw his header saved by Ndiaye after Ramos had rattled the crossbar.
The visiting keeper then made a superb save to tip a Ramos header over.
But Ndiaye was powerless to prevent the equaliser when Mbappe split the defence open lo leave Ramos with a simple finish.
Mbappe could have won it in stoppage time but his shot hit the side-netting.
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Arsenal's best and worst players in emphatic win over Brighton
Arsenal kept the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win over Brighton
Saka, Havertz & Trossard all on target for comfortable Gunners
The best & worst players from Arsenal's win revealed
By Tom Gott
Apr 6, 2024
A big win for Arsenal
A big win for Arsenal / Steve Bardens/GettyImages
If Arsenal are going to win the Premier League title this season, they're going to need more performances like the one they offered up in Saturday's 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Up against every hipster's favourite manager, Mikel Arteta's side waltzed their way to a huge three points that saw them return to the top of the Premier League table ahead of Liverpool's clash with Manchester United on Sunday.
Here are Arsenal's best and worst players from the win according to 90min's player ratings.
Arsenal's best player vs Brighton
Kai Havertz- 8/10
Kai Havertz, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke
Havertz ran the show / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages
One goal, one assist and a dominant all-round showing - a good day's work for Kai Havertz.
Leading the line up top, Havertz's movement was intelligent and selfless as he helped bring left-winger Gabriel Jesus into the action, but he took the direct responsibility for creating goals in the second half.
Havertz tapped home Arsenal's second on the hour mark before a smart pass sent Leandro Trossard flying through on goal for the late third.
Honourable mention
Jorginho - 8/10
Kai Havertz, Jorginho
Jorginho linked up well with Havertz / Steve Bardens/GettyImages
Pulling the strings from deep, Jorginho's experience playing with Havertz was clear to see here.
The Italian, often criticised for his lack of mobility, went charging down the wing to cross for his long-time teammate's second goal - a fair reward for a thoroughly impressive performance.
Arsenal's worst player vs Brighton
Oleksandr Zinchenko - 5/10
Oleksandr Zinchenko
A tricky showing for Zinchenko / GLYN KIRK/GettyImages
Brighton's biggest threat of the afternoon came out wide, where Simon Adingra enjoyed his time up against Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The Ukrainian was well-beaten in the first half but managed to stabilise himself after the break before being replaced with 20 minutes to go.
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Man Utd & Liverpool's combined XI ahead of huge Premier League meeting
Man Utd welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford in Premier League on Sunday
Red Devils prevailed 4-3 in FA Cup meeting last month
Picking a combined XI of players available for latest encounter
By Sean Walsh
Apr 6, 2024
Who makes our team?
Who makes our team? / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images, Visionhaus/Getty Images, Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
The erratic pendulum that exists between rivals Manchester United and Liverpool has swung back in the direction of Anfield this season.
Jurgen Klopp's side are right in the hunt for the Premier League title, while Erik ten Hag is fighting for his job after the Red Devils' terrible season to this point.
Hope isn't all lost for United ahead of this Sunday's visit of Liverpool though having ousted them 4-3 in their FA Cup meeting last month.
With both clubs suffering from injuries, a combined XI of fit and available players makes for interesting debate. Here's the team we've picked.
GK: Andre Onana (Man Utd)
Andre Onana
Onana has stepped up / Visionhaus/GettyImages
Let's be very clear - if Alisson was fit, he would unquestionably take this place.
Alas, the Brazilian is still working his way back from injury, meaning the goalkeeper spot falls into the grateful lap of Andre Onana, who has at least returned to form in recent months after such a slow start to life at United.
RB: Diogo Dalot (Man Utd)
Diogo Dalot
Dalot's reaction to getting the nod for this selection / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
For the sake of the pro-Diogo Dalot argument, it's best you don't watch back his performance against Chelsea on Thursday.
Despite such a calamitous display at Stamford Bridge, Dalot has been one of United's more reliable players this term. And yes, he's lucky Trent Alexander-Arnold isn't back yet.
CB: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
Ibrahima Konate
Konate has quietly gone about his business / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
Ibrahima Konate was withdrawn with a knock during Liverpool's 3-1 win against Sheffield United on Thursday, but he's expected to be fit for the trip to Old Trafford.
That's just as well, because both sides have about one other fit senior centre-back apiece right now.
CB: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk is obviously in the team / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
And now, a man who needs no introduction.
...
That's you, Virgil.
LB: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-SHEFFIELD
If you squint, it looks like the Jordan logo / PAUL ELLIS/GettyImages
Much of Andrew Robertson's 2023/24 season has been derailed by injury, but he's starting to shake off that rust again.
The Scot capped off Liverpool's midweek win with a fine assist for Cody Gakpo.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd)
Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo has been a shining light for Man Utd this year / Marc Atkins/GettyImages
If we're being completely honest, there's a really strong case for Wataru Endo to be here, and if anything the only factor keeping him out is the question mark over his fitness heading to Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo deserves to be more than just an afterthought as an honourable mention, so it all works out for us in the end.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Alexis Mac Allister
One of the signings of the season / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages
Liverpool fans seemed perplexed by what exactly Alexis Mac Allister was during the first half of the season when he was largely tasked with playing as a number six.
His role has become much clearer in 2024 and he's making a late run for a Team of the Season spot.
RW: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah
Salah has maintained his standards this year / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
Only Ollie Watkins (26) can boast more Premier League goal contributions than Mohamed Salah (25) so far this season.
Congratulations to Antony for finally getting off the mark in midweek, by the way.
AM: Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
Bruno Fernandes
Who else is going to moan at the referee? / Robin Jones/GettyImages
Don't mind me, just imagining a world where a direct yet dynamic midfielder like Bruno Fernandes ended up in the lap of Klopp and not the rotating cast of coaches over at United.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd)
Alejandro Garnacho
Man Utd's starboy / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages
United keep making a habit of overworking their talented young stars and labouring them with unhelpful older teammates.
Alejandro Garnacho, sorry that it had to be you. Keep shining, buddy.
CF: Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
Darwin Nunez
Who else is going to score with their backside? / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages
Oh, to be Pete Boc with all of the world's Darwin Nunez stock right now.
The opening goal against Sheffield United which ricocheted in off his behind took the Uruguayan to 18 goals in all competitions this season. That doesn't even factor in the chaos he brings to each and every game.
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