GAMES An efficient Anderlecht won 4-1 against KV Mechelen. A big win, but in the game at times the difference was not as big. Kikkenborg played strong and Anderlecht struck at crucial moments through Goto, Simic, Verschaeren and Hazard. An important win in the battle for Play-off 1, but at the back there is a need for more stability.
Anderlecht did start with the necessary enthusiasm this time, but without being dangerous. It was the visitors who got a first opportunity, but Kikkenborg stood well. Then Anderlecht started a new gear. Huerta's shot hit the ground via the crossbar, but it was difficult to see if the ball was actually over the line. In any case, the VAR did not intervene.
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Continue reading Moments later, Purple-White deservedly climbed into the lead. After a good chance for Hazard, Goto headed into goal while diving on Hazard's cross. The Japanese did not always have an easy time in the duels, but he looked eager and got involved in the combinations.
At the back, things remained pretty shaky at Anderlecht. Dendoncker in particular struggled again in the center of the defense with three. Raman could easily take out Dendoncker, but he shot wide. Kikkenborg also had to defuse an attempt by Schoofs. Anderlecht pulled ahead again and in this phase they struck again through Simic who headed a free kick from Verschaeren into goal. Just afterwards, Kikkenborg had to intervene immediately to avoid the 2-1. He saved a dangerous deviation by Raman with the leg.
Antonio fell in after halftime and the speedy winger immediately created a lot of danger. His third action in as many minutes forced Kikkenborg into a save, but Raman was quickest and tapped the 2-1 into goal. Mechelen played smart vertical soccer through the lines of Purple and White. Anderlecht had completely lost north and the equalizer hung in the air.
Thanks to a good pass from Goto, Sardella suddenly had a great chance in minute 58, but the right back decided within the reach of De Wolf. Mechelen remained threatening, but it was Anderlecht that could increase the gap again through Verschaeren after Rits and Huerta had also tried in a previous phase. The VAR looked very long, but approved the goal because Verschaeren's action had taken place in a new phase.
After the 3-1, both Stroeykens and Hey fell in for Goto and Rits. Maamar and Amuzu also filled in for the injured N'Diaye and Huerta in minute 79. Amuzu was immediately sent well into the depths by Verschaeren. His cross reached Hazard centrally who scored the 4-1 via Touba, which immediately also marked the actual end of the match. Neither Mechelen nor Anderlecht really pressed any more.
Anderlecht took the necessary three points, but Hubert had a lot of work to do. The defense looks as stable as a house of cards. Why has Anderlecht been playing 3-4-3 for several games now? You may have more people in midfield in possession of the ball, but does that also apply to N'Diaye and Sardella who, in our opinion, are flank defenders and not midfielders. When you revert very quickly to five men at the back, the midfield is overrun or the flank attackers have to drop back. Moreover, Dendoncker performs very shakily at the center of that defense, which could possibly be solved by the arrival of Hey. Let Dendoncker play at his best position in midfield. Goto surprised with a goal today and often looked for the combination. He struggled in the duels, but showed nice things football-wise.
