Paris Saint-Germain 3 - 0 Metz

PSG 3-0 Metz

Updated: January 23, 2008, 10:21 PM UK

PARIS, January 23 (Ligue 1) - Paris St Germain claimed only their second home win of the season on Wednesday at the expense of a Metz side clinging on to Ligue 1 by their fingertips.

Peguy Luyindula, Jerome Rothen and Amara Diane found the target for the hosts, who edged closer to mid-table safety after recording their third victory in four league matches.

Metz, meanwhile, are 12 points adrift at the foot of the table and seem certain for life in Ligue 2 next season.

It took just five minutes for PSG to break down their struggling opponents. Rothen supplied the pass for Luyindula, who turned the ball into the net with his knee.

Visiting goalkeeper Christophe Marichez kept his side in touch when he blocked Loris Arnaud's powerful 20-yard strike, while Mario Yepes was also denied when his header came back off the crossbar.

But a second goal duly arrived in the 35th minute thanks to Rothen, who drove his shot into the top corner beyond the reach of Marichez.

Metz continued to feel the strain in the second half and Sylvain Armand almost added a third for the home side but his header was cleared off the line by Pape Malick Diop.

Diane added to Metz's woes after 54 minutes though. Luyindula's shot was deflected by Marichez but only as far as the onrushing Diane, who flicked the ball in from close range.

The visitors were well and truly beaten but managed to avoid conceding a fourth when Diop produced another goalline clearance to deny Luyindula.