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Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco failed to produce a goal at the Parc des Princes, as Sunday’s big match finished in a disappointing stalemate.
After failing to capitalise on a positive start, PSG slowly deteriorated in front of their increasingly frustrated supporters and by the latter stages of the game were left praying for the final whistle as Francesco Guidolin’s Monaco grew in assurance.
The two dropped points leave PSG 12 behind Lyon and three behind Bordeaux, while Monaco remain three points adrift of the capital side but are at least showing signs of improvement under their Italian trainer.
PSG were close to full strength, with Mario Yepes the only major absentee, offering the young Jean-Michel Badiane a chance to play alongside David Rozehnal in central defence. Laurent Fournier attempted to overcome his much-documented midfield problems by moving Bonaventure Kalou to the right, allowing Vikash Dhorasoo to play a roving role behind Pedro Pauleta.
The early momentum was with PSG who, after losing at Auxerre last week, seemed anxious to get back to winning ways against a potential rival for Champions’ League qualification. Kalou had the first shot in anger on minutes, charging down François Modesto’s poor clearance and testing Guillaume Warmuz with a stinging low drive.
Dhorasoo then twice linked up with Pauleta on the inside right channel, but on both occasions the Portuguese marksman shot wide of the near post from difficult angles.
The home fans voiced their approval of Fournier’s new formation. Kalou frequently found space on the right as Patrice Evra strayed out of position while Dhorasoo, heavily criticised in recent weeks, was the most influential player on the pitch early on. The France international laid on another half chance for Pauleta whose killer instinct deserted him as he glanced a header over the top on 20 minutes.
For their part, Monaco were an invisible force for half an hour. Ernesto Chevanton, on his own up front, received no support from midfield and it was not until Guidolin pushed Spaniard Gerard Lopez up alongside the Uruguayan that the visitors created their first chance. Chevanton crossed from the left and Gerard saw his downward header tipped round the post by Lionel Letizi.
With Akis Zikos and Lucas Bernardi finally exerting some measure of control in midfield, PSG started running out of ideas. Monaco could have taken the lead before the interval, but Jaroslav Plasil volleyed Camel Meriem’s deep cross over the top after a superb counterattack, then Chevanton failed to connect with a Meriem free kick after he had been left totally unmarked at the far post.
Not convinced by his original gameplan, Fournier asked Dhorasoo and Kalou to switch positions at the break, but PSG’s play did not improve. Instead Monaco continued to look the more likely team to score, as Chevanton lobbed harmlessly over Letizi’s crossbar on 48 minutes then saw his goalbound effort blocked by Badiane moments later.
When the capital side did finally create a clear opening, Kalou squandered it. After being released on the right by Dhorasoo, Kalou arrowed in towards the Monaco goal but instead of cutting the ball back for Sylvain Armand – who had made a lung-bursting run into the box – the Ivory Coast star selfishly shot wide of the far post.
It was to prove their last real foray on the Monaco goal, as PSG went into their shell for the last half an hour. The victory was their for the taking for the Monégasques but sadly for their small following they lacked the necessary conviction in front of goal.
Olivier Sorlin twice volleyed over the bar when well placed, while Chevanton fired a free kick marginally over the crossbar before Maicon wasted the best chance of all - heading Meriem’s corner over the crossbar after being left all alone in the six-yard box 10 minutes before full time.
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