Hakimi treble inspires PSG to emphatic win over Le Havre

Paris Saint-Germain extended their winning run in Ligue 1 with a 5-1 victory over Le Havre at Stade CMA CGM Oceane, leaving Didier Digard’s side as the only team yet to win a league match this season.

The leaders dominated from the outset, recording 85% possession during the opening 10 minutes. However, their control did not immediately produce a shot, with Le Havre’s five-man defence helping to frustrate the visitors in the early stages.

Le Havre rarely threatened going forward and had already lost possession 14 times inside the first 15 minutes. Yet the hosts took the lead against the run of play shortly after Ferran Torres had missed an opportunity at the other end.

A swift Le Havre attack ended with Rayan Fofana sending a dangerous low cross across the area, which Josh Maja converted at the far post from close range.

PSG responded strongly. Mika Godts levelled in the 26th minute, sliding in to meet Achraf Hakimi’s delivery. Hakimi then put the visitors ahead two minutes later, although the goal was confirmed only after a lengthy VAR review.

Both teams registered further efforts on target before the interval, but neither goalkeeper was beaten again before referee Francois Letexier brought the first half to a close.

PSG continued to play with control after the restart and stretched their advantage in the 55th minute. Hakimi produced a superb free-kick, curling the ball beyond the reach of Arnaud Bodart and into the net.

Le Havre came close to reducing the deficit when Maja struck the woodwork just after the hour mark. Only 15 seconds later, their situation worsened when Bodart raced out of his area but was beaten to the ball by Senny Mayulu, who finished into an unguarded net to make it 4-1.

Hakimi completed his hat-trick with 20 minutes remaining. The ball appeared to bounce off the Morocco international and into the goal, but it was enough to silence the otherwise sympathetic home support.

The closing stages were largely about Le Havre preventing further damage. The defeat means they have now gone back to February for their last league victory at home, since when they have recorded four draws and six defeats.

PSG’s latest success also continued their recent dominance in this fixture. They have won 12 of their past 13 head-to-head meetings with Le Havre, drawing the other, and have won each of the last six matches hosted by Le Havre.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)