Paris Saint-Germain remain perfect in Ligue 1 after fighting back from one goal down away against Stade Rennais on Sunday to win 3-1 for a sixth win from six matches. Adrien Rabiot gifted the hosts the lead with a first half own goal at Roazhon Park, but Angel Di Maria equalised before half-time and Thomas Meunier, as well as substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, scored in the second half for Thomas Tuchel's men.
Positives
First and foremost, coming from a goal down away from home -- in Europe or domestically -- deserves to be viewed in a favourable light. Particularly so when it comes just days after a late 3-2 defeat away at Liverpool in the opening game of the Champions League group stage. Tuchel felt that he saw enough character from his players at Anfield and that opinion was perhaps confirmed by the way that PSG hit back after going behind with their midweek disappointment still fresh in their minds. Meunier personified the French champions' fighting spirit, significantly influencing the second half with a goal and an assist for Choupo-Moting's late third. However, almost all of the PSG players at least mucked in on a difficult afternoon in Brittany.
Negatives
Tuchel and Rabiot will be disappointed by the manner of Rennes' opening goal, with the France international giving Gianluigi Buffon little chance in Les Parisiens' goal. The German tactician will also be concerned that Bernat is still showing signs of rustiness after three consecutive starts -- a break against Reims could be a good idea after a difficult start to life at Parc des Princes. Also of note for Tuchel will be that Cavani continues to look sluggish since the international break and only has a penalty against Saint-Etienne to his name after three complicated outings -- compounded by positional rival Choupo-Moting's late third just minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Tuchel did not panic and force changes after Rennes scored first. Instead, he waited until the right moment to make his change after his initial starting XI had fought back from a goal down to lead.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Gianluigi Buffon, 7 -- There was little he could do to prevent Rabiot from putting through his own net but he was otherwise alert and agile between the sticks with a number of decent stops.
DF Thomas Meunier, 8 -- Although the left side of PSG's defence remains a mess, he is adapting well to Tuchel's attack-minded tactics and added a goal and an assist in a committed performance to his midweek strike against Liverpool.
DF Marquinhos, 6 -- Restored to central defence and captain in the absence of Thiago Silva, he looked far more comfortable in his natural position alongside Presnel Kimpembe than he does in defensive midfield.
DF Presnel Kimpembe, 6 -- Silva or Marquinhos, he looked as composed as ever at the heart of the defence and justified his continued starting role once again.
DF Juan Bernat, 4 -- Booked as part of another uncomfortable showing as he works his way back to full fitness.
MF Adrien Rabiot, 5 -- An own goal and a booking in his worst performance of the season so far, it was no surprise that Tuchel suggested that the ever-present France international is fatigued after the final whistle.
MF Marco Verratti, 6 -- Restored to the midfield after missing Liverpool away through suspension, he continues to work his way back to optimum condition after early season fitness issues.
MF Angel Di Maria, 6 -- Author of a superb goal from a Julian Draxler assist, he looked more comfortable alongside two natural midfielders in Rabiot and Verratti than he did in the makeshift unit on show in Liverpool in midweek.
FW Julian Draxler, 5 -- A booking and an assist in the first half, he was quieter in the second and moved back into midfield to accommodate Choupo-Moting towards the end.
FW Edinson Cavani, 4 -- Another uncharacteristically quiet outing after Liverpool and Saint-Etienne -- Choupo-Moting's goal could mean some rest at home to Reims next week.
FW Neymar, 6 -- More involved than he was in Liverpool, unsurprisingly, he teed Meunier up to make it 2-1 before making an emotional young supporter's day with his shirt and a hug.
Substitutes
FW Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, NR -- Given 13 minutes to impress at the end at Verratti's expense, he took his chance by scoring the third and final goal from a Meunier assist to secure the 3-1 result.
DF Thilo Kehrer, NR -- Sent on for Meunier with five minutes to go, he helped to shore up the defence to combat a potential late show from Rennes.
FW Christopher Nkunku, NR -- He barely got a kick of the ball after coming on for Neymar at the death.