Edinson Cavani on target as PSG beat Caen to maintain nine-point lead at top

Posted Thursday, December 21, 2017 by PA

Edinson Cavani was on target again as Paris St Germain maintained their nine-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 with a 3-1 home win against Caen.

Cavani notched his 24th goal in 25 appearances in all competitions for PSG this season to give his side a half-time lead before Kylian Mbappe and Yuri Berchiche struck in the second period.

Unai Emery's side secured their 10th straight home league win this season and made it three on the bounce since their shock defeat at Strasbourg earlier this month, while Caen's winless league run was extended to five matches.

Cavani steered a shot wide from Thomas Meunier's cross before crashing home the opening goal in the 21st minute after being set up by Mbappe inside the penalty area.

Caen responded well as Ronny Rodelin forced PSG's Kevin Trapp into a fine low save soon after, while Neymar's rising effort was turned away by Caen goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre after another Mbappe assist.

Cavani had efforts blocked in quick succession late in the first half, Javier Pastore's shot was kept out by Vercoutre and Neymar's free-kick was just off target as the home side continued to press for the second goal.

PSG twice went close early in the second period, but Cavani fired wide after racing on to Giovani Lo Celso's defence-splitting pass and then steered another shot the wrong side of a post from Mbappe's cross.

The home side doubled their lead in the 57th minute through Mbappe's low finish from inside the area following more good work from Lo Celso.

Lo Celso was denied by Vercoutre's excellent save in the top corner and the visitors' goalkeeper then turned away Neymar's low goalbound effort.

PSG continued to chase a third goal and were rewarded through left-back Berchiche, who arrowed a low shot into the bottom corner in the 81st minute after receiving Neymar's pass.

Caen grabbed a late consolation when Ivan Santini converted a last-minute penalty after Thiago Silva had handled in the area.