‘Phenomenon’ Mbappe keeps Monaco top

PARIS: Teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe was described as a “phenomenon” after inspiring Monaco to a 3-0 win at Caen on Sunday as the French Ligue 1 leaders maintained their three-point advantage over Paris Saint-Germain.

Monaco now have 71 points with eight games to play although Paris stayed in their slipstream after the four-time defending champions came back from a goal down to beat Lyon 2-1.

Early season pace-setters Nice have 64 points after a 1-1 draw at Nantes on Saturday which put them four behind PSG while Lyon’s loss left them 14 points outside the Champions League places.

Four days after edging Manchester City into the Champions League quarter-finals, Mbappe, who scored in both legs of the City win, ran Caen ragged.

Caen coach Patrice Garande said after the game Monaco had been better in every department, but singled out Mbappe for special praise.

“They have an absolute phenomenon up front — Mbappe

We knew beforehand it was going to be a tough afternoon. We were deservedly beaten by a really, really great side.

PATRICE GARANDE

Caen coach