Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty ImagesZlatan Ibrahiimovic takes on the role of cheerleader after PSG scored on a Lille own goal, set up by substitute Javier Pastore.

It was tight and hard-fought but Paris Saint-Germain edged Lille 1-0 in a lucky outcome at Parc des Princes Sunday. Whilst PSG's winner was fortuitous, going in off of an unlucky Aurelien Chedjou, the hosts created a number of chances, as did les Dogues. However, it was a slice of luck that decided the match and that fortune fell to Carlo Ancelotti’s side on the night.

The match for the best part was a tactical duel between Ancelotti and Lille's Rudi Garcia with both sides creating a few chances. However, the biggest positive arguably came in defence for PSG. In the absence of Thiago Silva, Mamadou Sakho partnered veteran Sylvain Armand and kept a threatening Lille side at bay and did a fantastic job. Sakho in particular showed great maturity and snuffed out a number of promising LOSC attacks.

What were even more noticeable though were the similarities he has started to display to his Brazilian centre-back partner Silva. The 22-year-old for all intents and purposes is a physical specimen, oft-maligned for a supposed inability to "play football." Yet Sunday here was a player who has learned to position his body to make only the slightest of moves to intercept the opposition as well as improving his reading of the game. Both are trademark Silva traits and Sakho combines that with his physical prowess.

Added to the good defensive display was an impressive showing from goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu who now has not conceded a goal in Ligue 1 in his last 686 minutes. The Italian made a number of important saves and interceptions, but crucially had luck on his side when it really mattered. The last time he conceded a league goal was in a 2-1 home defeat to Rennes in November.

At the other end it was a good night for Javier Pastore. Brought on as a 65th-minute substitute for Jeremy Menez, it was the Argentine’s pass three minutes later to compatriot Ezequiel Lavezzi that opened up les Dogues’ defence for the former Napoli man to supply the cross that Chedjou unwittingly turned past Lille goalie Steeve Elana. Yes he has been frustrating and yes he has still underperformed at times this year, but give credit where it is due, the benching was likely needed = and in terms of motivation, it was a masterstroke from Ancelotti.

Pastore may still slink around and brood at times, but the Italian got the best out of him when introducing him from the bench so won't be afraid to again in future. El Flaco’s attempt to mimic Lucas Moura’s cheeky turn-and-flick at one point ended in disaster, but the pass to Lavezzi before the goal was decisive. As long as he can produce the same sort of passing on a regular basis, he’ll be forgiven those moments of mild arrogance.

The night was also notable for an impressive performance from the Brazilian wonder kid Lucas. Still finding his feet in French football, Moura looked slick, motivated and direct in his style. A number of darting runs, some sublime skill and brilliant movement once again demonstrating the promise that persuaded the club to part with 45 million euros

It wasn’t always pretty and Zlatan Ibrahimovic cut a frustrated figure at times during a relatively quiet night at the office, but PSG got the job done and re-take top spot from Lyon on goal difference. Thiago Motta’s injury midway through the second half was a blow, but otherwise, a first double over Lille since 1997 will keep Ancelotti happy - until Friday's trip to Toulouse.

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