While You Were Asleep: PSG lose 3-1 to Lens, Aston Villa two up Tottenham & Chelsea drop points vs Nottingham

Starting without Neymar and Messi in their first Ligue 1 match of the new calendar year, Paris Saint Germain regered their first defeat, a comprehensive one against Lens as they went down 3-1 at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Przemysław Frankowski opened Lens’ account in the fifth minute of the game. But he was quickly nullified Hugo Ekitike, who started up front with Kylian Mbappe for PSG in a 4-3-2-1 formation. The game went level until the 28th minute when Lois Openda gave the hosts an advantage once again before Alexis Claude Maurice eventually sealed the match two minutes into the second half.

🎥🎙 The reactions of Chrophe Galtier and @vitinha in the microphone of #PSGTV after #RCLPSG (3-1). pic.twitter.com/2yaDo2Sdz7
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 2, 2023
With the defeat now, Lens have closed their gap with league toppers four points in 17 games. This was the first defeat of the season for the Ligue 1 champions, who have also drawn two matches.
Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. are expected to return back for the French champions in training earlier this week.
Tottenham two upped Aston Villa
Facing Aston Villa for only the second time in his managerial career, Antonio Conte faced defeat as visitors scored two to the good to beat the North London club on the first day of the new year in their English Premier League encounter.

What a move. 😍 pic.twitter.com/MUPd6qHSww
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 1, 2023
Goals from Emi Buendía and Douglas Luiz in the 50th and 73rd minute were more than enough for Villa, who are now positioned 12th in the points table with 21 points after 17 games. Spurs (30) on the other hand missed on the opportunity to eclipse Manchester United (32) in the table for a top four spot.
They will next face Crystal Palace on Thursday, January 5 away in the league whereas Villa face Wolves on the simultaneously.
Chelsea drop points vs Nottingham
Despite taking an early lead via a Raheem Sterling goal in the 16th minute, Chelsea dropped points away at relegation facing Nottingham Forest.

2023 is under way. pic.twitter.com/n367J2c6T1
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 1, 2023
The home team would pounce back following a goal from Serge Aurier in the 63rd minute to avoid Chelsea (25) draw closer to Liverpool (28) at the sixth spot in the points table.
“In the second half we deserved more than one point,” Aurier said post-match. “We’ve started the year well and now we have to continue to fight together to stay in the Premier League.”