PSG produce stunning first-half masterclass at Etihad

Paris Saint-Germain produced a devastating 31-minute spell against Manchester City on Tuesday night, racing into a 3-0 lead with goals from Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha in front of a watching Pep Guardiola.

The Champions League holders were rampant in the opening period, with Achraf Hakimi also striking the post as Luis Enrique’s side underlined their status as back-to-back champions. The display came in City’s first home appearance since the club was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, and in Guardiola’s first return to the Etihad since leaving in May.

‘It’s been a 31-minute exhibition’

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was stunned by the one-sided nature of the contest on TNT Sports, with City having won all six of their Premier League games this season and beaten Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday.

“It’s been a 31-minute exhibition, it’s been so one-sided,” Gerrard said. “Outstanding. I think Enzo Maresca has to speak to his staff and change something. I think they’re a man down in the centre of the pitch with Rayan Cherki.”

Gerrard hailed the performance as the best football he had seen in years, while fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves called PSG’s play “ridiculous”.

“The quality of the touches and finishing from PSG is exquisite. That is as good as I’ve seen live maybe ever. Technically this is best of what the Premier League has to offer and they’ve put on a masterclass,” Hargreaves said.

PSG became the first team to score three first-half goals against Manchester City away from home since Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in November 2015, completing a statement performance from the visitors in the Champions League.