Nice one, Cavani
No Neymar, no problem as PSG go seven points clear
PA R IS: Suspended Neymar watched from the stands as Edinson Cavani’s brace inspired Paris St Germain to a 3-0 win over Nice to send Unai Emery’s side seven points clear in Ligue 1.
Cavani’s first half double, both assists provided by Angel Di Maria, earned unbeaten PSG their ninth league win of the season.
It pushed them up to 29 points, seven clear of defending champions Monaco.
And it was the ideal warm-up ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Anderlecht when they can secure a place in the Champions League last 16.
The win also served to erase the memory of last week’s draining 2- 2 draw with hated rivals Marseille.
Neymar was absent for only the second time since his world record signing, the Brazilian copping a one-match ban after being sent off in that stormy visit to the south coast.
“All matches are different. Against Marseille, it was more complicated because the pitch was different and there were many things we could have done better,” said Cavani on Friday.
“Tonight, we got the goal as early as possible in the first half and that allowed us to play more relaxed and close out the game.”
Di Maria filled Neymar’s expensive shoes on only his second start since August.
Emery introduced centreback Presnel Kimpembe for Marquinhos with Spanish leftback Yuri Berchiche replacing Layvin Kurzawa.
Rightback Dani Alves returned but veteran midfielder Thiago Motta was absent because of a knee complaint
Mario Balotelli was a welcome starter for the visitors after missing last week’s 2- 1 loss to Strasbourg with a calf knock.
Nice coach Lucien Favre was forced into an unscripted last minute change when goalkeeper Yoan Cardinale suffered an injury in warm- up with Walter Benitez summoned off the bench.