It must be admitted, we were beginning to no longer believe in it.
Four years that Neymar had not offered PSG such a thunderous start to the season.
For a ton of reasons, physical, mental and personal, the Brazilian hadn't really been himself for quite some time, despite some memorable but temporary bursts.
The smell of a World Cup at the heart of the season (November 20 – December 18), successful preparation, a desire for revenge or the arrival of Christophe Galtier: the reasons for this renewal are multiple.
To the delight of Paris and its supporters.
This Saturday evening, the victory against Montpellier (5-2) bears the mark of Ney.
A double: a penalty goal (42nd), the other from a diving header (50th).
The last of a half-volley (84th) was refused for offside… A technique always above the lot, like this small bridge placed from the 2nd minute of play on Wahbi Khazri.
And above all a sense of play that makes everything easier.
The annoying number 10, not releasing his ball fast enough or preferring to complain about the refereeing and the opponents is a long way off.
Another flurry of goals
All Paris now hopes that it lasts.
“A team is always stronger with great players.
Neymar is one of them, ”said Christophe Galtier in L’Équipe, in early July.
Difficult to contradict him today.
The Park understood this and gave him a loud ovation (90th).
As against Nantes (4-0) and Clermont (5-0), Paris still scored a lot.
Real good news for the show and a sign that, despite the return of a possession game (80% after 15 minutes, 63% in total) much more important than under Mauricio Pochettino, Galtier's workforce is finding solutions against to low blocks like that of Montpellier.
Read alsoPSG-Montpellier (5-2): the notes of Parisian players
Neymar takes on a vital role.
Just like Vitinha, Lionel Messi and this system (3-4-2-1), which brings an essential surplus to the edge of the opposing surface.
One of Galtier's challenges will be to continue integrating Kylian Mbappé into this new style of play, less focused on quick transitions.
Also in the management of the egos of the three stars.
Light gestures of humor will no longer pass so easily in the spring.
Donnarumma's nets trembled
PSG could have scored more goals without the saves of Jonas Omlin in front of Mbappé, on penalty, or Lionel Messi.
The small event happened on the other side of the field with the first balls of the season in the net of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Italian could do nothing about the two careless errors, the only ones, of his defense.
Difficult to find the faults of this team version 2022-2023.
Scoring five goals per game to start a season is strong.
Even against such modest opponents.
Rookie Renato Sanches, barely integrated, also went there for his success (88th).
In short, for the time being, all is well under the Paris sun.
