Anderlecht must make peace with draw

GAMES Anderlecht failed to win for a second time this week against Standard. It played 2-2 and had quite a difficult time against a nippy Standard. Anderlecht never really got into its game. Dreyer put Purple and White ahead, but Kawabe just before halftime and Kanga just after halftime, ensured the Liege lead. Fifteen minutes before time, Dreyer provided the equalizer from the spot. Thus, Anderlecht loses points at home for a second time this season. Next weekend follows the topper in Antwerp.

After three minutes, Anderlecht got a first opportunity. Dolberg kicked not far from the goal. Standard put high pressure and Anderlecht had a hard time getting out of it. Kanga kicked centrally at Schmeichel after twenty minutes. Moments later, Anderlecht did come out well. Verschaeren served Dreyer and the Dane popped the 1-0 next to Bodart in goal on the edge of offside. Five minutes later, Anderlecht was lucky. Kawaba hit the post just like Thursday.

Anderlecht again had a few opportunities. However, poor ball control from Dreyer and a poor pass from Dolberg prevented great chances for the 2-0. Standard responded, this time through a surprising shot from Alzate. Schmeichel was nailed to the ground for the second time. Anderlecht trapped Standard for the first time for a moment in minute 40. Stroeykens aimed too high. However, Standard struck in the added time. A cross was allowed to be kicked too easily and Kawabe was given too much freedom centrally. The Japanese did not miss this opportunity.

After the difficult first half, Purple and White had to take a different approach, but Anderlecht just muddled along. Ten minutes after halftime, nothing was put in Kanga's way when he was sent on his way to goal. Standard's striker neatly finished off the great opportunity. Vertonghen still had to recover from a recent contact. Riemer intervened with three substitutions after the hour. Amuzu, Leoni and Vazquez replaced Verschaeren, Stroeykens and Dolberg.

Dreyer had a great chance for the equalizer in minute 65'. Delaney headed back well, but Dreyer hit the ball too much with the outside. Anderlecht still could not make a real fist. Fifteen minutes before time, Dreyer shot a free kick against the crossbar. Bodart saved superbly the rebound of Vazquez. In the same phase, the ball went to the penalty spot. Fossey extended his arm too far and hit an effort by Debast. Bodart hit Dreyer's penalty, but the penalty was kicked hard enough.

Hoefkens brought three more offensive new forces into the field showing that Standard aspired to more than a draw. At Purple and White, Dreyer was allowed to rest. The poor pitch at Lotto Park also began to play its part. For example, the ball collided twice when Sardella wanted to cross. Lardot forgot to give Ngoy a second yellow in added time, but any structure had disappeared from the game for some time by then. In the last minute, Bodart still threw himself fully into the fray so that he outsmarted Raman.

So Anderlecht had to make peace with a draw which, because of the other results, does not do it any good in the standings. It played an inferior match. The midfield did not get a grip on the game and the flanks could hardly create any danger.


Score: 2-2
Goal(s):1-0 Dreyer 21', 1-1 Kawabe 45'+1, 1-2 Kanga 55', 2-2 Dreyer (pen) 77'

Anderlecht:Schmeichel, Sardella, Debast, Vertonghen, Augustinsson, Rits (Ashimeru 85'), Delaney, Stroeykens (Leoni 63'), Verschaeren (Amuzu 63'), Dreyer (Raman 82'), Dolberg (Vazquez 63')
Standard:Bodart, Vanheusden (Bokadi 43'), Laifis, Ngoy, Fossey, Djenepo (Dewaele 68'), O'Neill, Alzate, Price (Sowah 82'), Kawabe (Balikwisha 82') and Kanga (Ohio 82')

Yellow: Kawabe 36', O'Neill 72', Ngoy 73', Dreyer 74', Debast 75'
Red:

Referee: Jonathan Lardot
Stadium: Lotto Park

Source: © Internal source