GAMES Anderlecht returned from St-Truiden with a 0-2 win. Purple and white didn't play great, but it had enough of Dolberg's strikers to settle the score in their favor tonight. The Dane scored once in each half (from the spot after halftime). A (unjustified?) red card by Zanka still forced Anderlecht on the defensive, but STVV didn't get any big chances, although they did regularly create danger with crosses and shots from distance.
Anderlecht started the match at ease, giving STVV a few opportunities. Purple and white achieved nothing offensively until Amuzu found Dolberg at the far post in the 27th minute and Dolberg was able to slide the 0-1 centrally into goal. Anderlecht pressed on and Dolberg headed wide.
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Continue reading Amuzu had the chance for the 0-2 just after the half hour, but Kokubo saved the attempt after the flank player was allowed to go alone to goal. Playing around the goalkeeper would have been a better option. After that, STVV got back into the game. Anderlecht loanee Patris was involved in some dangerous moves, with Coosemans intervening well each time.
A deserved lead at half time. STVV also got some chances, but Anderlecht's chances were bigger.
However, purple and white came out of the locker room very weak, giving STVV a number of opportunities immediately after halftime. In minute 56' Simic shot in front after Dreyer's free kick had stuck, but after that Coosemans had to be alert twice.
Just after the hour, Dolberg kicked Anderlecht to 0-2 with a penalty kick. The striker was attentive and took advantage of a serious Limburg misunderstanding. Dreyer first missed an enormous chance, but was then brought down and D'Hondt pointed to the spot. Yet Anderlecht again made it harder than necessary. About five minutes after the 0-2, Zanka received a red card. In our opinion, the defender seemed to play the ball in the replay. However, the VAR held a different opinion.
After the exclusion of Zanka, Purple-White was obliged to defend. STVV regularly created danger with crosses and shots from distance. In the closing stages Anderlecht was able to break out (harmlessly) a few times, reducing the pressure.
The week's rest will be welcome. Anderlecht travels to leader Genk on Sunday and Hubert will have to puzzle again anyway due to Zanka's red card. Verschaeren and Edozie seem to be back ready to play, though.
