PSG fight to go six clear in France

AThomas Meunier brace gave Paris SaintGermain a hard-fought 2-1 win at Dijon in Ligue 1 yesterday after the hosts thought they’d earned a late draw through Benjamin Jeannot’s stunning volley.

The result gives PSG, whose chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi is under investigation in his capacity as beIN Media chief over the sale of World Cup broadcasting rights, a six-point lead over second-placed Monaco who lost 3-2 at Lyon on Friday.

“We are very focused on the league and the Champions League,” said PSG coach Unai Emery. “The president (Khelaifi) speaks constantly with Antero (Henrique, sporting director). I am kept informed at all times, and he told me that he would be with us for Wednesday’s game (at Anderlecht).”

Match-winner Meunier insisted he was “1,000 percent” sure the dressing room wasn’t affected by the Khelaifi accusations.

“It has nothing to do with the players of PSG, it doesn’t concern us,” he said.

In a packed and raucous stadium, Dijon made a real fight of it as a PSG side deprived of Edinson Cavani, Marco Verratti, Thiago Motta, Thiago Silva and Layvin Kurzawa were given a rough time by the hosts.

Emery said after the game that Cavani had been struggling with a foot problem that he suffered before playing for Uruguay in their final World Cup qualifiers.

Angel Di Maria, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe could have scored a hatful and PSG hit the woodwork twice before their go-ahead goal on 70 minutes.

Belgian right-back Meunier held his nerve to slot the opening goal past prone Dijon goalkeeper Baptiste Reynet, who had just parried a shot in what was an excellent performance.

His teammate Jeannot’s goal will be a contender for goal of the season, running at full tilt he fired a left-footed volley with such force in the 87th minute it left PSG keeper Alphonse Areola rooted to the spot. – AFP