Edinson Cavani scores four goals in Paris St. Germain rout of Caen

Edinson Cavani hit back at his critics with a four-goal effort in Paris Saint-Germain's thrashing of Caen in Ligue 1 action on Friday night.

The Uruguayan striker had been dogged by doubters after wasteful displays against Metz last weekend and Arsenal in Champions League play on Tuesday.

However the former Napoli man responded with a sublime display in Caen, scoring a first-half quartet of goals and helping PSG to a comfortable 6-0 defeat of the mid-table side.

The 29-year-old Cavani opened his account in the 12th minute -- sweeping home a Maxwell cross from outside the six-yard box.

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Cavani collected his second from the penalty spot 11 minutes later, firing low and hard to Caen goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre's right after Lucas Moura was fouled in the area.

His hat trick came seven minutes from the break, courtesy of another Maxwell cross -- Cavani nipping in front of a defender to steer the Brazilian's pass past a helpless Vercoutre from close range.

El Matador then completed his first-half quadruple -- and his day -- in stoppage time, again leaving Vercoutre with nothing to do after latching onto a Thomas Meunier through ball and rolling his first-time shot into the far corner.

With Cavani off at half-time, Lucas would add a fifth PSG goal midway through the second half with a swerving shot from distance Vercoutre could have done better to keep out.

Jean-Kevin Augustin then completed the rout eight minutes from time, putting the Parisians back atop the table with powerful strike from the top of the box.

PSG, now on 10 points through five matches, will next be in action next Tuesday against Dijon in Ligue 1 play.