Own-goals from Lyon's Marcelo and Jeremy Morel gave PSG a 2-0 victory on Sunday evening in Ligue 1.
PSG benefitted from some generous refereeing after Adrien Rabiot's studs-up, and late, challenge, went unpunished, and it was Lyon who kept their nerve in the first half.
Lyon almost pulled off a shock when Tonguy Ndombele struck the crossbar in the second half, but PSG were soon in control.
Giovani Lo Celso's introduction broke the deadlock, a clever dummy on the left let him tee up Cavani to flick a heel and send the ball into the far corner via a Marcelo deflection. Cavani then missed a penalty minutes later when Kylian Mbappe - making his home debut - was dragged down in the box.
Paris Saint-Germain's Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani (C) kicks to score during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on September 17, 2017.
Image credit: Getty Images
Mbappe was instrumental in making it two when a late shot struck Anthony Lopes, and the ball bounced off Jeremy Morel to roll into the net. PSG's victory makes it six league wins out of six, and they are unbeaten in 27 consecutive home games.
TALKING POINT
Lyon were held back by the referee: In the first six minutes they should have been awarded a penalty, and in the first half Adrien Rabiot should have been sent off for a crude, dangerous challenge. PSG were given the benefit of the doubt throughout the match, and their 11 players on the pitch were able to eventually make the breakthrough.
Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar (L) fights for the ball with Lyon's Dutch defender Kenny Tete during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on September 17, 2
Image credit: Getty Images
MAN OF THE MATCH
Giovani Lo Celso (Paris Saint-Germain): An unheralded signing after years of major investment, it was Lo Celso who provided PSG with the spark. His clever technique made room for the cross for Cavani, and he won the foul which led to PSG's penalty. While Julian Draxler disappointed, Lo Celso made a case for his inclusion in the next game.
Paris Saint-Germain's Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani (L) and Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso celebrate a first match goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais at the Parc d
Image credit: Getty Images
PLAYER RATINGS
PSG: Areola 7, Alves 7, Kurzawa 6, Kimpembe 6, Rabiot 5, Motta 6, Mbappe 7, Draxler 5, Neymar 6, Cavani 7. Subs: Berchiche 7, Lo Celso 8.
Lyon: Lopes 7, Tete 6, Marcelo 6, Morel 6, Mendy 6, Tousart 6, Nbomdele 7, Traore 6, Fekir 7, Memphis 6, Mariano 7. Subs: Martins Pereira 6, Aouar 6, Cornet 6.
KEY EVENTS
6' - PENALTY APPEAL - Kurzawa trips Ndombele in the box, but the referee fails to give a penalty - it looked a clear foul
67' - NDOMBELE SHOT - Lyon almost make the breakthrough. Tousart has a header flicked away as it bounced across the goal, and a moment later Ndomblele rifled a long range shot towards the goal, rattling the crossbar.
75' - GOAL! PSG 1-0 Lyon. Cavani/Marcelo scores - Lo Celso spins Tete to get room for a cross on the touchline. He picks out Cavani at the near post, and he flicks out a heel to send it past the 'keeper, with a slight deflection from Marcelo.
78' - PENALTY! Lo Celso wins a free kick on the right wing. Neymar takes the free kick to the back post, and Mendy is penalised for dragging Mbappe to the ground.
79' - SAVED! Cavani drives a fierce strike at goal, Lopes pushes it against the woodwork and while Cavani claims it crossed the line, nothing is given.
86' - GOAL! PSG 2-0 Lyon. Mbappe/Morel scores - Neymar slides a pass forward for Mbappe, he shoots past Lopes, who sticks out a leg and sends the ball against Morel to grab an own goal.
KEY STAT
Cavani has already raced to 10 goals in eight appearances this season.
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