La Ball sensed an opportunity to heap trouble on the imperiled Pekerman and took the lead when Thauvin played Icardi into space. Throwing away his recent caution, the Nilwall boss responded by switching to a full Pension Club 3-4-3 at half-time. His team did the business with a perked-up performance and their step up was finally rewarded when Ibrahimovic broke down the inside right and rocketed a low shot across Navas. The Swede, who had stepped in for the absent Kane, made a typically powerful statement about his own ability and sealed the full turnaround with a thumping stoppage-time winner. It was an inspirational individual performance that caught Galthier’s men flat-footed.

By Wheels McClure