Edinson Cavani Scores a Hat-trick as PSG Run Riot
Thierry Henry’s woes continued as Monaco manager as an Edison Cavani hat-trick led PSG to a 4-0 win at the Stade Louis III.
The crushing win, which also featured a goal from Neymar, gives the champions a maximum 39-point haul but leaves Thierry Henry still searching for his first win as coach of Monaco, who are second from bottom on seven points.
Cavani gave the visitors the lead in the fourth minute, perfectly timing his run to stab home a cross-shot from Neymar but the goal was only awarded after a video review to check that he was onside.
He was on target again for the champions seven minutes later, sliding to send Moussa Diaby’s pass bouncing over the line, and after another referral to VAR, referee Ruddy Buquet pointed to the centre circle as the goal was confirmed.
There were no questions about his third, though, as he popped up at the far post to again stab the ball home from close range, completing his hat-trick eight minutes into the second half.
Neymar piled the misery on Monaco by slamming home a 64th-minute penalty after Kylian Mbappe was felled in the box by Djibril Sidibe.
VAR also came to Monaco’s rescue on two occasions, ruling out goals by Julian Draxler and Mbappe for offside, but they were completely outclassed.
Already hit by a slew of injuries that have made Henry’s managerial debut such a trial, Monaco’s bad luck was summed up when Nacer Chadli was injured early on, with his replacement Jordi Mboula substituted in the second half after suffering a hamstring injury.
Neymar was delighted with Paris Saint-Germain’s thrashing of Monaco as he urged his team to continue building on their impressive start to the season.
PSG have won all 13 of their Ligue 1 matches this season, opening up a 13-point lead atop the table.
Neymar, 26, was thrilled with the result and happy for Cavani, who took his tally to eight league goals this season while scoring the first league hat-trick by a PSG player against Monaco since Carlos Bianchi in 1979.
“I’m very happy, happy for the goal and especially for the victory,” he said.
“Edi’s hat-trick … not only him but we are also happy for him to have made the goals. He is our number nine.
“I hope that we can continue to play our part by winning the games and increasing the records more and more.”
PSG will have a few weeks to restore some energy, as the international break begins this week.
Peace,
Burke