The Choc des Olympiques, which was due to take place last Sunday, was called off after the Lyon team bus was pelted with objects on the way to the Stade Vélodrome. Members of the away team’s staff, including manager Fabio Grosso, were injured – the Italian coach was notably seen entering the stadium with a bloodied face and required 13 stitches above his eye.

Labrune has indicated that the game will take place on December 6, but that the league commission will decide on the venue further down the line. This decision, he says, will be made once it has received “additional information from the authorities in order to guarantee the safety of all of those involved and attending” the fixture.

The league chief has added that, on an exceptional basis, the events of Sunday night will be assesed by the disciplinary commission “in their entirety”, in particular with regard to establishing responsibility for access to the Stade Vélodrome. Labrune went on to explain that Grosso had “my support and that of the league as a whole”:

“The acts of which he was the victim are serious and intolerable, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted and convicted.”

A belaboured start from the hosts afforded the Rossoneri with time and space to settle into the game at their own pace –  midfielder Rade Krunić in particular standing out. A litany of errors when building out from the back handed several opportunities to Stefano Pioli’s men, with Rafael Leão seeing a shot whistle wide of the post after twenty-five minutes.

A misfiring start would be of little consequence, though. On the hour mark, the teenage Warre Zaïre-Emery decided to take matters into his own hands and stormed through the midfield – shrugging off two Milan players in the process – before playing Mbappé through. The France captain, facing Rade Krunić, would keep his marker at bay and find the net with a low, near post finish – a classic Mbappé strike.

Luis Enrique’s men would strike again right after the break, as Ousmane Dembélé sweeped home after a lightning-quick break – only for the goal to be ruled out for a shove by Ugarte in the build-up. A second goal would indeed come minutes later – the former Barcelona winger once again involved, as his low shot was parried by Mike Maignan straight into the path of Randal Kolo Muani for a simple, close-range finish.

There was no way back for the Italians – the only attacking threat would come from Rafael Leão meandering solo runs, and some wayward crosses – none of which would ever reach Olivier Giroud. PSG would eventually wrap up the win with a goal from substitute Kang-in Lee, with Zaïre-Emery once again providing the assist.

While the collapse in Newcastle is not yet a distant blip, tonight’s display does offer some much-needed reassurance, with PSG returning to the top of Group F. Luis Enrique’s honeymoon period may not be over just yet.

PSG player ratings:

Gianluigi Donnarumma, 7 – Coming up against his formative club, the Italian initially looked to be struggling when put under pressure when PSG built out from the back. He was not forced into a mistake, though, and was authoritative in keeping the Rossoneri out in the second half.

Achraf Hakimi, 7

Marquinhos, 6 – Faced a tough battle up against Leão and mostly came out on top. His technical ease was important in releasing pressure during build-up play, in the midst of a shaky first 20 minutes for the hosts.

Milan Škriniar, 6

Lucas Hernández, 6

Warren Zaïre-Emery, 7 – It’s scarcely believable that the midfielder doesn’t turn 18 until next March, given the consistently assured performances he turns in both on domestic and continental stages. He was once again instrumental in breaking down an unflinching Milan defence with his incisive runs – his assist for Kylian Mbappé’s opener, which saw him fend off two defenders before threading the pass through, was the highlight of an impressive performance. Added another assist – to make it three for the European campaign – for Kang-in Lee’s goal at the end of the game.

Manuel Ugarte, 5 – PSG’s player of the season so far was slightly below his usually high standards, but remained a dependable presence in breaking up prospective Milan moves. Let down by some wayward passing and a barge on Musah which saw Dembélé’s goal ruled out after half time. Replaced by Fabián Ruiz.

Vitinha, 6

Ousmane Dembélé, 6

Randal Kolo Muani, 6 – The Frenchman justifying his selection ahead of Gonçalo Ramos – some darting runs forward and precise link-up play providing an important outlet for the hosts. Scored the second goal of the game with a close-range finish. Replaced by Ramos for the final ten minutes.

Kylian Mbappé, 7 – Continued his return to form with a trademark sweeping finish inside the near post, and generally combined well with his attacking partners while confirming a return to his incisive best. Came close to a brace several times, notably hitting the post at the end of the game.

Milan player ratings:

Théo Hernandez, 4 – The French international was beaten several times by a resurgent Dembélé, but was mostly able to hold his ground and swung in several crosses from the left – none of which could meet Olivier Giroud’s head.

Rafael Leão, 5 – The former Lille man was incisive in the opening exchanges of the game and managed to get a couple of shots away. His influence on the game understandably diminished as a more assured PSG display in the second half deprived Milan of further opportunities to counter.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin

PSG were scarcely tested over the weekend as they strolled to a 3-0 win over Strasbourg, while the Rossoneri fell to a 1-0 loss against Juventus and were knocked off top spot in Serie A. 

In his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Luis Enrique stressed the importance of maintaining the team’s attack-oriented approach to counter the Rossoneri‘s defensive flexibility.

“[We’ll be] attacking, as we always do. We’re a team that’s always sought to attack and have possession. That’s the most important thing for us, and it won’t change. We’ll have to attack more than the opponent, but also defend by pressing them. But what I’ve seen and what I’m feeling makes me optimistic.”

“They usually play in a 4-3-3 formation, and they’re very good all over the pitch. But they can also play with a five-man backline. It’s an option that we’ve taken into account and that we’re ready for.”

The Spaniard was also evasive when asked to pick between his two main centre-forward options, namely summer signings Randal Kolo Muani and Gonçalo Ramos – it was the Portuguese forward who started on Saturday. He instead highlighted the importance of having competition across the squad, and pointed out that he had several other options at his disposal up front, including Marco Asensio and Bradley Barcola.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin

Franck Haise’s men stepped up to the occasion by clinching a historic win over the Premier League runners-up, which has sent them top of Group B.

The Gunners’ return to the Stade Bollaert – 25 years after the two teams first met in the Champions League – was inevitably attended by some of Lens’ major figures from European campaigns past (Daniel Moreira, Eric Sikori, Guillaume Warmuz – the latter formerly of Arsenal as well). The fixture also attracted key players from the wider world of French football (Reims manager Will Still, for example) and beyond.

L’Équipe notably spoke to former French president François Hollande, on his way out from the VIP box. The ex-head of state was particularly impressed with the performance of new signing Elye Wahi, who was involved in both of the Sang et Or goals: “He was expensive to sign but he gave a lot, he really impressed!”

After a patently poor start to the campaign, Lens rediscovered the collective spark that saw them push PSG all the way last season – just in time to produce one of the club’s most famous results. While Haise has described the game as “one of the most memorable” of his reign so far, he and his team will not rest on their laurels – particularly as a derby clash against Lille awaits this weekend.

Spurred on by the ever-deafening Bollaert, Lens started on the front foot and earned two corners within the first ten minutes. Arsenal’s quality up front, though, meant they only need one chance to open the scoring – that chance would come through an underhit pass by Adrien Thomasson straight to Bukayo Saka, who threaded it through to Gabriel Jesus to duly finish past Brice Samba.

The response, though, was characteristically spirited from the hosts. While Arsenal initially looked able to assert some dominance in midfield, Lens’ relentless pressing proved an efficient disruptor. Just before the half-hour mark, Machado was able to intercept a pass wide from Raya and find Wahi on the edge of the box. The summer signing laid it off for Thomasson, who with a curled, first-touch finish managed to atone for his earlier error.

With Saka going off injured at the half-hour mark, Arsenal’s attacking potential was somewhat blunted, with Lens managing more shots despite having less than a third of possession. Franck Haise’s men would continue to construct incisive moves down the wing throughout the second half – the breakthrough eventually coming from a Frankowski-Sotoca combination on right, before the Pole found Wahi in the middle for a close-range finish. 

Colossal defensive performances from the ever-reliable Kevin Danso as well as Facundo Medina would ensure that Mikel Arteta’s men would scarcely challenge Brice Samba, but for a late flurry of chances – Jonathan Gradit notably intervening with a last-ditch block. 

After a rough start to the campaign, the Sang et Or have now rediscovered the spark that saw them push PSG all the way last season – and they’ve done so at exactly the right time, clinching a historic win to go top of Group B. It’s the kind of evening that few clubs in France can boast of in their history – and by the looks of it, there’s still more to come from Franck Haise’s men.

Lens player ratings:

Brice Samba, 7

Jonathan Gradit, 7

Kevin Danso, 8 – Get French Football News’ player of the season last year once again turns in an imposing performance – mostly kept Gabriel Jesus at bay and kick-started 

Facundo Medina, 8

Przemysław Frankowski, 7

Nampalys Mendy, 7

Salis Abdul Samed, 6

Deiver Machado, 8 

Florian Sotoca, 7

Adrien Thomasson, 7

Elye Wahi, 9 – The France U21 striker with the first big-game performance of his career – constantly slipped away from the Arsenal defence and was always available to release pressure from his teammates. Assisted Thomasson’s goal with a sensational layoff before scoring the winner in the second half. Replaced by Wesley Saïd for the final 15 minutes.

A ruthless display against their arch rivals – anchored by the all-conquering two-man midfield of Manuel Ugarte and Warren Zaïre-Emery – has secured the statement result of Luis Enrique’s reign so far.

To an extent, interim coach Pancho Abardonado’s five-man defence kept the hosts at bay in the first half – the Marseille defence could scarcely do much about the two goals they conceded. Achraf Hakimi struck first with a free-kick from range into the top corner, putting the hosts ahead within 8 minutes. 

Randal Kolo Muani then duly opened his PSG account when presented with an open-goal opportunity – the Moroccan full-back once again the catalyst, his long-range effort hitting the post, then bouncing off an unsuspecting López before falling into the striker’s path. Kylian Mbappé would limp off soon after – the ankle issue he picked up at the start of the game ostensibly not going away. Gonçalo Ramos, fresh off an encouraging cameo in the Champions League but still goalless for PSG, came on in his place.

The champions laid to rest any doubts about the result straight after the break, and continued an evening of firsts as Dembélé’s whipped cross was headed into the bottom corner by Ramos. A much-needed confidence-booster for the newly-arrived Portuguese forward – and for the winger, it was a first goal contribution since joining from Barcelona.

Abardonado’s men barely threatened from then on – in fact they, did not manage a single shot on target all game. The few times PSG gave the ball away high up the pitch, they self-sabotaged their counter-attacks with muddled passing and a lack of understanding. The hosts, though, scored with their own move on the break at the end of the game, Ramos beating López for the second time after Kolo Muani’s end-to-end run down the right wing.

For Marseille, the backroom turmoil has now spilled over onto the pitch. With no discernible leaders on the pitch and a lack of clarity in the club’s overall project for the time being, it’s hard to see this season as anything other than a write-off for OM. Next week’s trip to Monaco could prove to be another trying evening. 

Although Mbappé’s injury could eventually come to overshadow the result somewhat, PSG’s attacking potency even without the league’s top scorer will be a major source of encouragement. The champions are now up to third place, two points off the leaders, Brest (!).

PSG player ratings:

Gianluigi Donnarumma, 6

Achraf Hakimi, 7 – The Moroccan continues his upturn in form since the start of the new season, scoring a ferocious free-kick early on before effectively setting up the second. Marseille were unable to handle his attacking threat down the right wing, while the wing-back also confidently held his ground when called into action defensively.

Marquinhos, 7

Milan Škriniar, 6

Lucas Hernández, 6 – Leaves the attacking theatrics to his right-sided counterpart, but nevertheless an assured performance from the Frenchman, who efficiently dealt with the few counter-attacking opportunities Marseille had.

Warren Zaïre-Emery, 7

Manuel Ugarte, 8 – It’s no wonder Luis Enrique only named two midfielders in the starting eleven – the Uruguayan’s constant recoveries and work rate both on and off the ball allow him to cover the entire midfield sector. Ligue 1’s signing of the season so far.

Bradley Barcola, 6

Ousmane Dembélé, 6 – The Frenchman’s characteristically incisive dribbles were finally rewarded with a goal contribution, as he found Gonçalo Ramos for the third goal. Replaced by Fabián Ruiz in the final twenty minutes.

Randal Kolo Muani, 6

Kylian Mbappé, N/A – The Ligue 1 top scorer twisted his ankle early on, tried to soldier on, but eventually conceded defeat and limped off on the half-hour mark. Replaced by Gonçalo Ramos, who after a timid start scored his first goal for PSG immediately after the break, from a pin-point Dembélé cross. The new signing put the final nail in Marseille’s coffin, finishing off a Kolo Muani-led counter for the fourth of the game.

Marseille player ratings:

Pau López, 4

Jonathan Clauss, 5 – The only Marseille player to show some level of incisiveness, having found space behind Hernandez several times in the first half – but he was rarely able to make anything of those chances.

Chancel Mbemba, 5

Samuel Gigot, 4

Leonardo Balerdi, 4

Renan Lodi, 5

Valentin Rongier, 4

Azzedine Ounahi, 4

Jordan Veretout, 4

Vitinha, 4 –  Showed more involvement than his attacking partner – winning some of his duels and completing a dribble – but similarly struggled to make an impact in front of goal. Brought off for Iliman Ndiaye at half-time, the Senegal international providing a couple of isolated flashes without really creating anything either.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 3 – The former Arsenal man is unable to replicate his performances on the European stage – he scored a double in midweek – in domestic play. An ineffectual outlet for Marseille in the few chances they had to attack 

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin

The hosts would dominate possession in the first half, although cleaar-cut chances were mostly lacking to start with. Some neat combinations involving Vitinha, Mbappé, and a dazzling Zaïre-Emery would form the basis of most of PSG’s forays forward – they were mostly untroubled by the Bundesliga outfit, who were kept at bay by a characteristically dogged Ugarte and a resurgent Marquinhos.

A flurry of chances before the end of first 45 minutes would show a more incisive side to PSG’s attacks – one that was largely absent against Les Aiglons. A penalty claim for a Niklas Süle handball would almost hand the Parisians their clearest chance, but the claim was dismissed after a VAR check. By half-time, Luis Enrique’s men had nothing to show for their dominance.

That would change instantly after the break, as this time Süle was indeed penalised for a penalty in the box, and Kylian Mbappé duly dispatched the spot-kick to give the hosts the lead. 

Vitinha was again at the heart of the action for PSG’s second goal, but it was Achraf Hakimi who took centre stage – the right-back combining with the Portuguese midfielder before continuing his run into the box, beating Mats Hummels with a feint, and finishing with the outside of his boot. It will have taken just under an hour for one of the Ligue 1 champions’ elaborate moves to pay off – but on the basis of Hakimi’s effort, it was worth the wait.

Dortmund did come close to pulling one back – the substitute Jamie Bynoe-Gittens saw his effort beat the goalkeeper but come off the post, while Donnarumma saw a couple of headers whistle past his woodwork as well. The hosts will have had several opportunities to wrap up the game as well – an increasingly accurate Dembélé finding Gonçalo Ramos several times, Mbappé pulling several shots wide after being played through as well.

Despite the wayward finishing, Luis Enrique will undoubtedly be reassured by the performance – one where PSG dominated proceedings and looked firmly in control throughout, albeit against a mostly inoffensive Dortmund outfit. Potentially sterner tests await, starting with a chaotic but unpredictable Marseille here on Sunday and later trips to Newcastle and Milan – but the honeymoon period for the Spanish tactician may not be over just yet.

PSG player ratings

Gianluigi Donnarumma, 6 – The Italian international was scarcely tested (just the one shot on target for the visitors), although he did look more comfortable with the ball at his feet in comparison to his shaky performance against Nice.

Achraf Hakimi, 7 – 

Marquinhos, 7 

Milan Škriniar, 6

Lucas Hernández, 6

Vitinha, 7 – A masterful midfield display, from the man who is effectively Marco Verratti’s successor. His vision and ability to wriggle his way out of tight spaces were crucial to his team’s dominance – his highlight being the assist for Hakimi’s goal, a move which was kick-started by his backheel to the Moroccan on the edge of the box. Replaced by Kang-in Lee in the final ten minutes.

Manuel Ugarte, 6 – The Uruguayan has been PSG’s standout player so far this season, and turned in a characteristically tenacious performance. There were a few wayward passes when he looked to move up the pitch, but on the whole the new arrival continues to impress.

Warren Zaïre-Emery, 7 – The French youth international, at just 17, continues to step up on the big stage. It would be a stretch too far to say he looks like a seasoned veteran – his decision-making in the final third could use some fine-tuning – but he looks at ease in a Champions League-level midfield.  

Ousmane Dembélé, 5 – An improved performance which left the Dortmund defence scrambling at times, but the French international is still lacking accuracy in his final ball. Some questionable decision-making on the counter when the hosts could have added more goals.

Randal Kolo Muani, 4 – A tough first start for the new arrival – albeit against a familiar opponent – especially given the run of play so heavily revolved around PSG’s combinations in midfield. He provided a useful outlet when dropping deeper, but his runs forward were mostly ineffectual. Replaced by Gonçalo Ramos in the final ten minutes – the Portuguese forward thought he’d scored his first PSG goal in stoppage time, but his run was ruled offside.

Kylian Mbappé, 5 – As was the case against Nice, the France captain struggled to fully involve himself in his team’s build-up play – but he stepped up when it mattered. Converted the penalty he won himself just after the start of the second half, and nearly had a second with a couple of opportunities on the counter at the end of the game.

Nice showed why they were still unbeaten so far this season. Relentless spells of pressing from Farioli’s men caught the hosts off guard on several occasions – not least Donnarumma, who looked as shaky as ever with the ball at his feet. One of those passages would be the catalyst for the opener, as Todibo swiped the ball from Mbappé, and got a shot away on the edge of the box – the shot would be blocked and fall to the feet of Terem Moffi, who sweeped it into the bottom corner from close range.

The champions’ response would come minutes later through Mbappé. The captain would first see Ousmane Dembélé squander opportunity he’d set up with a through ball by fluffing his one-on-one with Bułka. Seconds later, though, he sent a sweeping finish into the top corner from the edge of the box – the Polish goalkeeper getting a hand to the shot but unable to apply enough pressure to parry it away.

Nice would be back ahead soon after the break, as Moffi was found over the top after a deep run, the Nigerian breezing past Danilo Pereira before squaring it to Laborde for an open-goal finish. The visitors came close to doubling their lead seconds later – Laborde this time setting up a wide open Diop, whose shot was kept out by an impressive reflex save.

Les Aiglons would swoop into the box several more times – Moffi once again devastating for the third goal, as another deep run stretched PSG’s defence to breaking point. With both Hernandez and Škriniar struggling to keep up, he duly cut inside and fired home into the bottom corner for his second of the evening.

Despite bringing on several attacking threats – Randal Kolo Muani notably making his debut – Luis Enrique’s men were unable to thread a way through a serene Nice defence. The visitors, on the other hand, threatened with every counter. It would take a volleyed effort from Mbappé to halve the deficit and offer the Parisians a lifeline, Kolo Muani with the assist – a familiar combination for France fans. Les Aiglons would hold out in any case – and in doing so, leapfrog tonight’s opponents into second place. Far from encouraging for PSG, ahead of next Tuesday’s reception of Borussia Dortmund.

PSG player ratings

Gianluigi Donnarumma, 4 – Just about survived some early scares with the ball at his feet and Nice forwards bearing down on him – but the Italian is patently uncomfortable in playing out from the back. Was mostly faultless for the goals and pulled out a good stop from Diop to prevent the scoreline from looking even more damning.

Achraf Hakimi, 5

Danilo Pereira, 6 – PSG’s best defender, his perseverence and commitment in winning the ball back as always earning plaudits from the home fans – but he was convincingly beaten by Moffi for the third goal.

Milan Škriniar, 4

Lucas Hernandez, 5

Carlos Soler, 3

Vitinha, 4

Warren Zaïre-Emery, 4

Ousmane Dembélé, 3 – Barring a few successful takeons, the Frenchman was as ineffectual as he has been since the start of his time in the capital. A one-on-one chance sent spectacularly wide and virtually no duels won nor crosses completed made for a difficult watch.

Gonçalo Ramos, 3 – The Portuguese international is yet to score for his new club, and scarcely looked like he could break his duck tonight – a first-half header that went wide his only chance of the game, otherwise barely involved.

Kylian Mbappé, 7 – At his incisive best during the first half; a mere passenger after the break. His well-taken equaliser looked to have set the hosts back on track, but ultimately he too was a victim to Nice’s unforgiving press, and was mostly kept out of the game afterwards. He struck late on with a great volley for his second, which was of no consequence on the result.

Nice player ratings,

Marcin Bułka, 6

Jordan Lotomba, 6

Jean-Clair Todibo, 7

Dante, 6

Melvin Bard, 6

Morgan Sanson, 5

Youssouf Ndayishimiye, 6

Khéphren Thuram, 7

Gaëtan Laborde, 6 – Not as clinical as his attacking partner, but a nonetheless industrious performance from the versatile forward, who scored Nice’s second goal of the game at the back post.

Terem Moffi, 9 – Two goals and an assist for the Nigerian. His deep runs – consistently found by his teammates – proved to be PSG’s undoing, and his devastating accuracy made sure Nice made the most of their counter attacks.

Sofiane Diop, 6

The hosts would decidedly dominate the opening exchanges, and were ahead just before the 20-minute mark as Aurélien Tchouaméni fired in a low, curling shot from range, after being set up on the edge of the box by Kylian Mbappé. Les Bleus’ attacking ambitions would take a hit, though, as Olivier Giroud was forced off with an ankle injury soon after – Marcus Thuram came on to replace him.

France would waste no time in doubling their lead after the break, Griezmann once again the initial orchestrator. After Kylian Mbappé saw his close-range shot blocked, Marcus Thuram was on hand to turn and find the roof of the net in emphatic fashion. Ireland would come close to halving the deficit soon after through an Ogbene header – which Mike Maignan would keep out with a fingertip save.

Ireland’s low block was largely successful in keeping France at bay for the rest of the first half, though – although Stephen Kenny’s men rarely threatened themselves. Kylian Mbappé was mostly neutralised, while both Dembélé and Coman were unable to make the most of their incisive breakthroughs. In any case, a spot at Euro 2024 is now looking like a formality – the rest is best kicked into touch for the time being.

France player ratings

Mike Maignan, 6

Jules Koundé, 5

Dayot Upamecano, 6 

Lucas Hernandez, 7

Théo Hernandez, 7 – A constant threat down the left wing and won the majority of his duels. The moves that came of his near-telepathic understanding with Mbappé were mostly fruitless against a low-sitting Ireland defence.

Antoine Griezmann, 8 – Once again played his midfield orchestrator role to perfection, and was dangerous just about every time he was on the ball. Whether it’s playing through Hernandez down the left or combining in intricate passing moves with his midfield partners, the Atlético Madrid man was the driving force for Les Bleus tonight.

Aurélien Tchouaméni, 7 – Scored his third goal for France with a long-range opener, and turned in a complete performance in midfield. Consistently won his duels, near-impeccable passing, and consistently at the centre of France’s build-up play.

Adrien Rabiot, 6

Ousmane Dembélé, 6 – Much like his first few games for Paris Saint-Germain this season – constantly beating his defender in style, but unable to get enough accuracy on the final ball. Hit the post in his final move of the game, before being replaced by Kingsley Coman.

Olivier Giroud, N/A – The striker was characteristically effective when it came to hold-up play, but came off before the half-hour mark due to an ankle injury. Replaced by Marcus Thuram (6) whose well-taken close-range finish early in the second half doubled the lead. Similar chances in the box would be difficult to come by for the rest of the game, although he did miss the chance to grab his double with a header that ultimately went over.

Kylian Mbappé, 5 – The captain struggeld to find the target and his teammates, and was often isolated in a confused number ten/wing position. Some good combinations with Hernandez and some incisive runs down the left – as well as an assist for Tchouaméni for the first goal.

Despite initially featuring in last week’s call-ups, the Liverpool defender will not be able to recover in time from a hamstring injury, and missed his team’s win over Aston Villa over the weekend. The 24-year-old, who has 11 appearances for France to his name, has made up the team’s starting centre-back pairing alongside Dayot Upamecano since the turn of the year.

The former Toulouse and Barcelona was previously called up to the senior national team for the first time back in March, and will be hoping to earn his first cap this month. Les Bleus take on Ireland at the Parc des Princes on Thursday as part of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, before travelling to Dortmund the following Tuesday face Germany in a friendly fixture.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin