Unai Emery’s men hold on for all important three points

PSG leapfrog Monaco to jump into second position thanks to goals from Lucas Moura and Edinson Cavani

THERE was to be no upset at the Stade Marcel Picot as Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over Nancy 2-1 and moved into second position above Monaco.

First-half goals from Lucas Moura and the lethal Edinson Cavani proved to be too much in the North-East of France as Unai Emery’s men avoid another league upset.

It’s been a disappointing start to the season for the new manager as his team have already lost twice – a 3-1 loss to Monaco and a comprehensive 2-0 defeat away to Toulouse.

With Wednesday’s important Champions League tie at home to Swiss side Basel, the Parisian side have that confidence boost they desperately needed.

Brazilian winger Lucas Moura opened the scoring in the 13th minute, his free-kick evading everyone in the box, and goalkeeper Ndy Assembe let the ball slip through his hands.

While Nancy were still licking their wounds, just five minutes later Edinson Cavani scored his 12th goal in all competitions – his ninth in Ligue 1.

The Uruguayan latched onto a poor misguided headed back-pass and gloriously lifted the ball over the stranded ‘keeper to make it 2-0.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Emery’s men though, former West Ham midfielder Alou Diarra rose highest above everyone and headed his side back in the game in the 55th minute.

Hatem Ben Arfa made a rare appearance as a late substitute, however he failed to contribute anything and is unlikely to find himself in the starting 11 any time soon.

PSG survived a late onslaught from the home side, absorbing mass amounts of pressure, but the home side failed to create any clear cut chances.

They now trail runaway leaders Nice by four points, with Marseille and Lille their next two opponents in the league.