PSG score dramatic late winner in eventful climax to Metz game

Simon Lloyd

One regular day of Uber Eats Ligue 1. That’s all I ask for. Will never happen

For the second time in a matter of days, Paris Saint-Germain scored a late, late, laaate winner to take the three points.

Whereas Mauro Icardi’s goal at the death against Lyon at the weekend was overshadowed by Mauricio Pochettino having the audacity to substitute Lionel Messi – a slightly injured Lionel Messi, as it turned out – their win at Metz on Wednesday night was controversial for other reasons.

PSG had taken an early lead through Achraf Hakimi inside the opening five minutes but were pegged back before half-time when Boubakar Kouyate nodded home a corner.

That was how things remained until stoppage time, when PSG caught more than a couple of breaks which helped them claim victory.

It started in the first of three minutes added on at Stade Saint-Symphorien.

Fabien Centonze went down deep inside the PSG half, clutching the ball in anticipation of a free-kick. Instead, the referee deemed that no foul had been committed by PSG and awarded them the free-kick for Centonze grabbing the ball. The Metz player was quickly booked for pushing Neymar, who was attempting to restart the game quickly.

The referee showed a second yellow card to Metz captain Dylan Bronn, who appeared to kick the ball away as PSG made another attempt to restart the game. Incensed at the decision, Metz boss Frederic Antonetti was also shown a red card for something he said in the aftermath.

How it went from bad to worse for Metz 😪

One yellow card to two reds in less than a minute 😳

Lost their heads 🤬 pic.twitter.com/LA54Cs1mNR

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 22, 2021

With play eventually back underway, Nicolas de Préville appeared to have been fouled by Presnel Kimpembe on the touchline, only for the referee and linesman to ignore his protests and signal for a PSG throw.

Despite the cries of the crowd, the throw was taken and PSG surged forward in a desperate last attempt to score a winner. Whereas Metz nodded clear the initial high ball towards the edge of the area, it was picked up by Neymar, who slipped a pass through a gap to Hakimi.

Cutting inside onto his left foot, the Moroccan curled the ball into the corner of the Metz goal.

Metz players and fans were furious, with goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja interrupting the celebrations for the goal. It was no use. PSG have another three points, and, already, are threatening to make the destination of the Ligue 1 title even more of a formality.

ABSOLUTE SCENES!! 😱

1-1 at 90 minutes 🤝

90+1, Metz are handed two red cards, to their captain and their manager 🟥🟥

90+3, No foul called on Kimpembe… 👀

90+4, PSG play on and Hakimi slots home the winner! 😲 pic.twitter.com/Z8OG3dMabT

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 22, 2021