PARIS — Achraf Hakimi delivered a stunning individual performance on Friday, scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists as Paris Saint-Germain dismantled bottom-placed Le Havre 5-1 to strengthen their grip on the Ligue 1 summit.
The European champions, missing several regulars through injury, still had enough firepower to record a ninth consecutive victory across all competitions and move to 20 points from their opening nine league fixtures.
Hakimi Inspires Comeback After Early Setback
Le Havre briefly dared to believe when Josh Maja handed the hosts an early lead at Stade Océane. But Hakimi quickly took control of proceedings, setting up Mika Godts for the equaliser before putting PSG ahead in the 28th minute with a shot at the near post.
The Morocco international struck again in the 55th minute, curling a free kick into the bottom corner, before turning provider once more. His driving run in a counter attack allowed Senny Mayulu to make it 4-1 in the 62nd minute.
Hakimi completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute with a deflected effort, capping a remarkable all-round display that left Le Havre reeling.
Luis Enrique Praises Squad Depth
PSG coach Luis Enrique highlighted the contribution of his fringe players as injuries continue to reshape his squad.
“I am happy because some players had very little playing time. If we want to win trophies, we need everyone,” Enrique said. “With injuries, opportunities arise. That was particularly the case tonight for Quentin Ndjantou and David Boly, who made his Ligue 1 debut.”
The result leaves Le Havre rooted to the bottom of the table with just two points and a fifth consecutive defeat, while PSG sit two points clear of second-placed Lille.
Lille Edge Lens, Nice Demolish Rennes
Lille climbed above Rennes into second place after veteran Olivier Giroud came off the bench to score an 86th-minute winner in a 1-0 derby victory over RC Lens. Giroud’s late intervention proved decisive in a tightly contested match.
Rennes, meanwhile, endured a chastening evening on the Côte d’Azur, falling to a 5-2 defeat at Nice. Elye Wahi netted a hat-trick for the hosts, comprising two first-half penalties and a 73rd-minute first-time finish.
The win was Nice’s fourth in five outings and lifted them to seventh, continuing their impressive resurgence after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.
What’s Next for Ligue 1 Leaders?
PSG’s relentless form has set a formidable pace at the top of the table, with the champions now four points clear of third-placed Rennes. With squad rotation proving effective and Hakimi in scintillating form, Enrique’s side appear well-equipped to sustain their title charge despite the ongoing injury concerns.
For Le Havre, the challenge is now existential. Five straight defeats and a mere two points from nine matches leave them facing an uphill battle to preserve their top-flight status.
