Paris Saint-Germain picked up their 14th consecutive Ligue 1 win with a 1-0 success at home to Toulouse on Saturday. Edinson Cavani scored the only goal of the match at Parc des Princes with an ingenious piece of skill and finish, and PSG now head into next week's crucial Champions League Group C clash with Liverpool on a winning note.
Positives
Although it was not a classic, three points were all that were at stake and PSG took a maximum haul at minimal cost.
It might have been a largely uneventful game but at least Thomas Tuchel has no new injury concerns on top of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Also, Dani Alves is back in action for the first time since the German tactician's arrival, which means that Thomas Meunier will no longer be run into the ground.
Negatives
Despite Neymar and Mbappe's absences, the French champions were still far stronger than Toulouse and arguably should have won by more than one goal.
That said, all three points with no new concerns ahead of Liverpool was the ideal pre-match scenario for Tuchel and that came to fruition.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Tuchel went with arguably his strongest possible starting XI and was rewarded with a win and was also able to reintroduce Alves to competitive football after a lengthy absence through injury.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Gianluigi Buffon, 6 -- A largely simple stretching of the legs ahead of next week's Champions League clash with Liverpool when his experience will be expected to come to the fore.
DF Marquinhos, 6 -- One part of a solid back three that was not asked too many serious questions by a limited Toulouse attack.
DF Thiago Silva (c), 6 -- The skipper and his central defensive partners Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe did not have to be at their best to keep Toulouse quiet.
DF Presnel Kimpembe, 5 -- Despite the clean sheet, arguably the weakest performer of PSG's backline on the day.
MF Thomas Meunier, 5 -- Given the start ahead of the returning Alves, it was gentle enough preparation for Liverpool next week.
MF Marco Verratti, 6 -- Paired alongside the unpopular Adrien Rabiot for the first time in a while, he enjoyed a 70-minute outing before he made way for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
MF Adrien Rabiot, 6 -- Heavily booed as rumours continue to link him with a move away instead of a contract extension, he teed Cavani up for the only goal of the match and was otherwise solid.
MF Moussa Diaby, 7 -- Handed the start on the left with the Liverpool Champions League clash just days away suggests that he could be preferred to Juan Bernat for the crunch clash and another strong showing will have helped his case.
FW Angel Di Maria, 6 -- Aligned as part of arguably PSG's strongest front three with Neymar and Mbappe missing, he went the full 90 minutes ahead of what will probably be significant involvement against Liverpool next week.
FW Edinson Cavani, 7 -- His recovery in front of goal continued with an excellent piece of improvisation and finish inside the opening 10 minutes for his fourth goal in two games.
FW Julian Draxler, 5 -- Pushed forward into attack, no doubt with Neymar and Mbappe's potential absences against Liverpool in mind, he went 80 minutes before making way for Christopher Nkunku.
Substitutes
MF Dani Alves, 6 -- Playing for the first time since last season after surgery, it was a surprisingly good return to action over the final 21 minutes.
FW Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, N/R -- Given 20 minutes towards the end, that will keep him ticking over in case he is needed against Liverpool.
FW Christopher Nkunku, N/R -- Bright during the final 10 minutes and could have done greater damage if given longer than his brief cameo.