PSG have been inconsistent throughout the 2022/23 Ligue 1 season, with some impressive wins but also some surprising losses and draws. Their defence has also been a weakness, with a number of goals conceded in key games. PSG are currently in first place in the 2022–23 French Ligue 1, with 66 points from 28 matches played. They have won 21 matches, drawn three, and lost four matches. While PSG still have a strong squad and plenty of talent, they face stiff competition in Ligue 1 this season. They will need to perform consistently and effectively in order to retain their crown as French champions.
Lionel Messi was jeered in the 2-0 defeat against Rennes at Parc des Princes as PSG were seeking to extend their nine-point lead at the summit. Despite having over 50 minutes to equalise, Christophe Galtier’s team failed to do so. PSG suffered their first home defeat in Ligue 1 this season. Rennes secured the win, making it their third victory in the past four games against the current champions.
Let’s take a closer look at the stats showing why PSG’s recent form is detrimental to their shot at glory yet again.
Overall performance
The above viz shows the percentile rank of the team in comparison to other teams in Ligue 1. It can be observed that PSG are the top-ranked team in the division. They have outstanding numbers in all departments. The two areas where they are ranked lowest in the league are recoveries and crosses per 90. Interestingly, the Parisians have seen a drop in the number of entries into the final third. This drop in rank is surely a worrying sign for them, showing a need for Galtier to enforce some tactical changes going forward.
They have scored 66 goals (59.2 non-penalty xG) and conceded 28 goals. The team takes 14.57 shots per 90 minutes with an accuracy rate of 47.1%. They have scored most of their goals from inside the box and managed to score approximately seven times from outside the box. The team began the season in fine form, but their recent drop in form has seen the gap at the top reduce to seven points.
Gaps exposed against Rennes
Meanwhile, the team managed to score zero goals against Rennes at the Parc des Princes last time out. With the Parisians dropping out of the Champions League, their loss to Rennes at home sparked plenty of disapproval from the fans. They took 16 shots overall, out of which 12 were from inside the box, but failed to score. Whereas Rennes took ten shots and were accurate enough to trouble Donnarumma in goal, as PSG showed plenty of gaps in their system and went on to lose the match 2-0 at home.
The above visuals compare the team’s overall success in pressing high up the field and their ability to regain possession in dangerous areas in the current season and the match versus Rennes. The team lacked intensity and pressure as they failed to register successful pressure in the final third.
It can be seen in the first viz. that PSG makes plenty of action in the final third, indicating their overall high position up the pitch. They have made 14 dangerous recoveries and 11 counter-pressing recoveries inside the box.
But the team was extremely poor versus Rennes, as they failed to do so and were being pushed back by Rennes. PSG were unable to play with a high backline, a feat which they usually seek to achieve while playing at home. The team made ten high recoveries in the match out of 60 total recoveries. Whereas, they average 72.64 recoveries this season.
A recent lapse in defence
PSG have conceded ten goals in their last five matches, averaging 2.0 goals conceded per match. The above viz for Donnarummas’ shots faced shows that the keeper has faced 27 shots in the last five Ligue 1 matches. Donnarumma has managed to keep six clean sheets in 19 matches in the French top flight. The European champion with Italy needs to step up his game in order to see his side through in big matches. PSG faces 10.71 shots on average from their opponents. The Parisians have conceded a total of 28 goals this season, letting in 1.0 goal per 90 minutes.
Overall, Ligue 1 is becoming increasingly competitive, with several teams challenging for the top spot. PSG are no longer able to rely solely on their financial power to dominate the league. They are facing tough opposition from teams like Marseille, Monaco, and Lens. Christophe Galtier must strengthen his side and their tactics in order to be able to dominate matches once again.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
