Standard scalp heals Anderlecht wounds
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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Belgian Eerste Klasse leaders RSC Anderlecht ended a wait of over seven years to win at R. Standard de Liège, humbling their hosts 4-0 to leave the defending champions a full 20 points off the pace.
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Belgian Eerste Klasse leaders RSC Anderlecht ended a wait of more than seven years to win at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne as they humbled R. Standard de Liège 4-0 to leave the defending champions 20 points off the pace.
Long wait
Not since 24 August 2002 had Anderlecht tasted success at the home of their fellow UEFA Europa League hopefuls yet Ariël Jacobs's side could afford to be optimistic given the chasm between the sides in the standings, not to mention the continued absences of Steven Defour and top scorer Milan Jovanović for the hosts. Les Mauves struck first on seven minutes when Sinan Bolat repelled Jelle Van Damme's header only for Jonathan Legear to convert the rebound. And when Axel Witsel, infamously sent off in the reverse fixture in August that prompted a souring of relations between the two clubs, was dismissed just before the break for a foul on Roland Juhász, Les Rouches were reeling.
Two own goals
Romelu Lukaku headed in Kanu's assist six minutes after the restart before Dieudonné Mbokani missed an opportunity to narrow the gap from the penalty spot. Standard then rubbed salt into their own wounds with Moussa Traore (80) and Eliaquim Mangala (83) both scoring own goals. "I am satisfied but not more than with any other match," said Jacobs. "I'm happy with the mature way we played, although we should have scored more in first half. There is little talk about our defence and that is often a good sign. The goalscorers usually take the plaudits, but today I want to compliment the silent workers. I still think we will see Standard in the play-offs, as they can still overcome the gap on other teams."
Turning point
To do that, László Bölöni's team will have to work their way into the top six by the end of the regular league season, after which those six clubs will contest a further competition to decide the champions and European contenders, with each starting on half the points they had previously gained. "The match split down into two parts," commented Bölöni. "In the first part, the crowd saw a good spectacle with a lot of chances and a high-tempo match. I was pleased with the way we played then. After the red card, we got frustrated. But I have to congratulate Anderlecht – they have a strong team." Anderlecht are now six points clear of Club Brugge KV, who have a game in hand, while Standard in eighth are two points shy of sixth-placed SV Zulte Waregem.