Gameiro treble keeps PSG clear

Gameiro treble keeps PSG clear


Kevin Gameiro struck a hat-trick as Paris St Germain restored their three-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 with an impressive win at struggling Ajaccio. France international Gameiro was one of several big-money signings for PSG over the summer and repaid a large chunk of his transfer fee with a treble which proved too much for the Corsican hosts.

Gameiro's first-minute opener was cancelled out by Carl Medjani but the former Lorient man had the final say. His opening contribution was the first goal, volleying home at the far post after Sylvain Armand had flicked on Nene's corner. PSG could have gone two up inside eight minutes but home keeper Guillermo Ochoa produced a wonderful save to keep out Nene's volley.

Brazil-born Nene was instrumental in the early stages and, after 13 minutes, he played in Mohamed Sissoko but his first-time effort flashed inches wide of the post. Nene then whipped in a free-kick which Mamadou Sakho headed on goal only for Ochoa to make the save.

Having been completely outplayed for the opening 20 minutes Ajaccio promptly equalised. A free-kick into the PSG box was not fully cleared and after Arnaud Maire had pumped it back in Medjani chested it down nicely and volleyed it past Salvatore Sirigu. Nene was to the fore once again after 33 minutes but this time in a defensive capacity as he hacked Richard Socrier's header off the line.

Ajaccio came close to going ahead at the start of the second half but Sirigu made a fantastic reflex save to keep out Socrier's volley. That was the cue for PSG to raise their game and they restored their advantage shortly after when Christophe Jallet's cross was nodded down by Sissoko for Gameiro to fire home.

It was 3-1 after 52 minutes, Gameiro tapping in after good work from Jallet and Clement Chantome for his eighth goal of the season. Ajaccio rarely threatened a comeback with their best chance coming after 65 minutes when Frederic Sammaritano shot narrowly over.