🔗 Share this article PSG Face an Uncommon Problem: Goal Lack in French Ligue 1 “The situation is both pleasing and irritating,” states the team's head coach. The PSG boss has a complex relationship with how his team’s league matches play out. Whenever the Parisians play, one team goes forward and the other defends. “Breaking down deep defenses appeals to me,” he asserts. “It is the phase of play that I am most familiar with. I am very respectful of how other teams play. Though unconventional compared to our style, I acknowledge and welcome it.” Facing defensive teams isn't optional for PSG; it's their constant situation, a result of the talent imbalance created by budget inequality. Their quality typically shines through and the resistance is overcome with different levels of challenge. However, this campaign has been more challenging. Dominant Possession But Poor Returns The Parisians have maintained nearly three-quarters of possession in Ligue 1 so far this campaign. Facing Nice in their recent match, they had dominant ball control and made over 750 passes, versus just under 200 for their opponents. Before the break, Vitinha had numerous ball contacts – only six less than the complete opposition side – but PSG struggled to make their domination tell. At halftime, opposition defender Bah, whose header was cleared off the line by his teammate, had nearly scored. This performance wasn't isolated. The Parisians had tied 75% of their recent Ligue 1 games. With 71% ball control against Strasbourg, but were needing a dying moments tying goal from Mayulu to salvage a point. Although possessing 77% possession against their midweek opponents in midweek, they managed just one goal and were unable to win. Almost one third of the way into the season, PSG are only the fifth top scorers in Ligue 1 – trailing several other French clubs. Attacking Unit Issues It is a result of the particular attention that PSG garner, but also reflects a serious concern. Their forwards are not scoring. The French international's 29 goals last season aided in securing Ligue 1 and the continental trophy; Another attacker scored 14 times in the league; Désiré Doué hit 16 in all competitions; and Kvaratskhelia scored eight after his January move. The forward claimed the golden ball and, while it is arguable that the national team player is indeed the global standout, it is challenging to deny that he was not the top performer of the last season. He has just five scores in 12 games this season. He suffered a muscle problem while on national team service in early autumn, which caused a blame game between PSG and the national squad that has seen the connection between club and country deteriorate. He was unavailable for around six weeks of action as a result, but he still doesn’t look right. Post-match against their rivals, he was seen clutching his hamstring. “It hurts so much,” he told fellow player Hakimi. Fitness Issues The PSG coach says Dembélé will be fit to face their European opponents this week in the continental tournament but, while he regains his form, teammates must contribute. Unfortunately, Doué cannot help. The former Rennes forward was also injured in the same month. He was returning to his best when he was struck down with another thigh injury, which is expected to rule him out until the new year. The Georgian is a massive asset to his team but he often excels mainly for the crucial games in the Champions League; he is goalless so far in Ligue 1 this season. Barcola, PSG’s highest goal-getter in all competitions this season, has just one score in his last eight matches and is in a dry spell. Something of a purple-patch forward, the goals will undoubtedly return, but he can’t be expected to be the goalscorer in this costly PSG attack. Their center forward scored the winner against Nice but will he maintain his position in the team? That was the job handed to Gonçalo Ramos when he joined in recently. Their number nine hit the century of 100 appearances for PSG against Nice, but he has been a substitute in over 50% of those appearances. Recording 18 of his 38 goals after entering as a replacement, he has clearly taken on the role of the “super-sub”, somewhat owing to his limited contribution when starting, but primarily because of his coach's hesitation to start with a out-and-out forward. “Why do I score so many goals off the bench? Basically because I'm substituted in more often than I begin games,” quipped Ramos after the match. Critical Moment With the goals drying up across the attacking unit, the match-winning strike has given his boss decisions to make. The centre-forward was unsuccessful with earlier attempts before taking his fourth and securing the victory, but the fact that PSG’s best chances fell to him is telling. He’s an instinctive poacher and that is what PSG were acquiring when they paid substantial money. “His role is vital for us because he is continuously available for every match, whether he starts or not,” said the manager. “Even brief appearances from Gonçalo are productive periods.” It may be time for the super-sub to play a major part. Domestic Competition Results Rennes 4-1 Strasbourg Lens 3-0 Lorient Lille 1-0 Angers Nantes 0-2 Metz Toulouse 0-0 Le Havre Brest 0-0 Lyon PSG 1-0 Nice Monaco 0-1 Paris FC Auxerre 0-1 Marseille League Standings Position Team Played Goal Difference Points 1 PSG 11 12 24 2 Marseille 11 14 22 3 Lens 11 7 22 4 Lille 11 10 20 5 Monaco 11 6 20 6 Lyon 11 4 20 7 Strasbourg 11 6 19 8 Nice 11 0 17 9 Toulouse 11 2 15 10 Rennes 11 1 15 11