Here is the next installment of our “Analysis” series, featuring a look back at a Paris Saint-Germain match to highlight a few key points. We are focusing on sequences from the 2–1 victory over Olympique de Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome during Matchday 5 of the 2026–2027 Ligue 1 season—specifically the goal conceded, which involved several errors beyond just the ball lost by Ousmane Dembélé (the 29-year-old forward).
The situation as the ball travels from Marquinhos to Ousmane Dembélé.
It is important to note that the play originates from an attacking throw-in (on the left, near the Marseille penalty area). The throw-in is played backward: João Neves passes to Willian Pacho, who then passes to Marquinhos, leading to the moment where Ousmane Dembélé drops back to receive the ball.
He could have kept it simple and played to Warren Zaïre-Emery, though the latter might have found himself under pressure too. Alternatively, the Parisian number 10 could have played the ball back to Willian Pacho to escape the Marseille press. He is also known for taking an attacking first touch to try and beat his opponent. Instead, he controlled the ball toward his own goal and slightly mishandled it, allowing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to make a tackle.
It is worth noting, however, that Désiré Doué was offside and Ferran Torres was on the borderline, without making an active run. Coming out of this attacking throw-in, PSG found themselves only level in numbers while trying to play the ball out against a strong press from Marseille.
The situation as Amine Gouiri turns following Hojbjerg’s tackle.
With this level of pressure—and equal numbers—a turnover could prove very damaging. Here, Pacho, Marquinhos, and Vitinha immediately drop back. While understandable, it was also possible to apply more pressure on the Marseille players. Gouiri advances unchallenged, allowing him to scan the field. His two teammates also have time to get into position. Giving the opponent time and space is rarely a good thing.
The situation as Angel Gomes receives the ball.
As Gomes receives the ball very close to the penalty area, Pacho finds himself in a 1-on-1 situation. Vitinha could have closed in to help him—especially since Gouiri stops moving after his pass and other teammates are available to cover that potential passing lane. Instead, the Portuguese midfielder stays rather central, just outside the box.
The situation as Gomes dribbles past Willian Pacho.
At the moment of the dribble, Pacho is isolated, even though there are clearly plenty of Paris players around him. It is a shame; Vitinha could easily have been closer to provide support. That said, it is worth noting that the defender is beaten with surprising ease. He lunges in a bit, without being ready to react to the hook.
