Ben Arfa embarrass Mbappe and Di Maria as Lille star eases past PSG pair

FORMER Newcastle star Hatem Ben Arfa breezed past PSG duo Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria before assisting a superb goal for Lille.

With the French champions 1-0 down, the 34-year-old weighed up his options on the left flank as Mbappe and Di Maria doubled up on him.

He skipped past them but then checked back to assess the situation once more.

Ben Arfa then glided past them yet again before getting to the byline and crossing with a sumptuous right-footed chip for Sven Botman to tuck home.

And fans were sent into a frenzy at the ex-Toon man's skill - which he was well-known for during his time at St James' Park.

One social media user said: "Hatem Ben Arfa still got it. He just skinned Di Maria as Lille equalise against PSG."

Another added: "Hatem Ben Arfa just created a goal out of nothing for Lille, after mystifying Di Maria.

"Talent is still there for sure."

And a third said: "Ben Arfa showed Di Maria who really belongs to the streets."

While another fan lamented the inconsistency that Ben Arfa has become renowned for.

They said: "That sums up Ben Arfa. Horrific corner, then followed up by a moment of brilliance to skip past Di Maria and then produce a top assist."

Ben Arfa joined Lille in January after being a free agent for six months.

During his time in England he scored 14 goals in 86 appearances before leaving after four seasons.

But it would not be Ben Arfa who had the final say in Lille's clash with PSG on Sunday night.

After drawing level at 1-1, Mauricio Pochettino's side responded in clinical fashion by netting four times to thrash the defending champions.

Lionel Messi scored a lovely goal as he delicately lofted the ball over the despairing dive of keeper Ivo Grbic.

And Mbappe helped himself to the pick of the bunch with a wicked curling strike in the second half.

PSG now sit 13 points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table, while Lille are languishing down in 11th.