Sunday, January 18, 2009

PSG storms forward with victory over Sochaux-Montbéliard

PSG storms forward with its second consecutive victory, upending a tough Sochaux-Montbéliard side 2-1 at Parc des Princes. As expected Francis Gillot’s side were a mountain of problems for the Parisians but through resourceful finishing and tough defending PSG was able to hang on for the 2-1 triumph.

Les Lionceaux started quickly with Václav Svěrkoš teaming up with Turkish international Mevlüt Erdinç to threaten Mickaël Landreau barely seven minutes after the start. It was a clear signal that the visitors were far from a team to be relegated and a battle was on. By the twentieth minute, momentum is shifting like sand in a bottle and the Parisians slowly assert their domain with a powerful attack. Péguy Luyindula’s attempt, following a good run-up of play orchestrated by Stéphane Sessegnon, is pushed aside by the Sochaux ‘keeper Jérémy Gavanon as the pace of the match quickens and the tackles bristle with severity. Although PSG appears to be in control they have been denied from the scoresheet and as the match appears to be headed to the break scoreless, deep into added-time Damien Perquis fouls Jérôme Rothen in the area resulting in the spot being pointed to. Young sharpshooter Guillaume Hoarau steps up and sends the ball into the netting to provide PSG the one goal advantage at the break.

At the re-start Grégory Bourillon is brought in for Claude Makélélé as the Lionceaux fight back with stubborn pride. Six minutes in Czech international Václav Svěrkoš volleys the ball in to draw the match level but just past the hour mark, Péguy Luyindula reaffirms PSG’s need for the experienced striker as he poaches on a close range effort after Sylvain Armand edges Jérôme Rothen’s corner, to give the Parisians the 2-1 lead. The thunderous applause of Parc des Princes awaits Pegguy Luyindula as his afternoon concludes with Ludovic Giuly entering the match. Sochaux brings in Francileudo dos Santos and Ryad Boudebouz for Michaël Isabey and Romain Pitau as they prowl for the equalizer. However the visitors late efforts fell short and PSG took the 2-1 victory.