Paris Saint-Germain delivered an outstanding performance on Friday night, coming from behind to defeat Le Havre 5-1 away from home and strengthen their grip on the top spot in Ligue 1.
Achraf Hakimi stole the headlines with a remarkable hat-trick, inspiring the defending champions to another impressive victory under manager Luis Enrique.
The hosts initially looked set to cause an upset after Josh Maja put Le Havre ahead in the 18th minute. The forward finished off a quick attacking move to give his side an early advantage.
PSG, however, refused to panic and gradually took control of the encounter. Mika Godts brought the visitors level in the 26th minute, finishing from close range after Lucas Hernandez’s excellent delivery found Hakimi in the attacking area.
The turnaround came almost immediately as Hakimi found space inside the Le Havre defence and produced a well-placed finish to put PSG ahead before the interval.
The Moroccan defender continued his impressive display after the restart, adding his second goal of the evening in the 55th minute with a superbly executed free-kick.
Le Havre had an opportunity to get back into the contest when Maja struck the woodwork, but PSG responded almost instantly. Hakimi turned provider, releasing Senny Mayulu, who went past goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart before scoring into an unguarded net in the 62nd minute.
Seven minutes later, Hakimi completed his treble. Although Bodart initially stopped his attempt, the rebound fell back into the defender’s path, allowing him to register his third goal and put the result beyond doubt.
The emphatic victory means PSG have now won nine consecutive matches in all competitions, continuing their impressive run as they chase another Ligue 1 title.
Hakimi’s contribution was particularly impressive considering he had not recorded a goal or assist in his opening seven league appearances this season. His performance against Le Havre has now moved him level with Ferran Torres as PSG’s leading goal contributors in the league this campaign.
Godts and Mayulu also made important contributions, with both players taking advantage of the opportunities given to them despite the absence of injured forwards Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
PSG’s attacking dominance was reflected in their 15 attempts on goal, producing an expected goals figure of 3.00, compared with Le Havre’s 1.88 from 14 attempts.
The result moves PSG four points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 standings, while Le Havre remain on the receiving end of a disappointing home defeat.