Diarra returned to the starting eleven and brought a healthy aggression to the defense. He was in the right position to score the equalizing goal, which was ultimately disallowed. He also cleanly resolved several difficult situations.
Augustinsson made a good recovery on the first accurate corner from Hazard. He had a few technical errors, but he didn’t falter like some of his teammates before halftime.
Saliba was whistled at for a long pass that had no intended recipient. He grew into the match and was substituted early to avoid picking up a tenth yellow card before the upcoming match against Club Brugge.
Llansana was a surprise starter and was largely unnoticed before halftime, except when he tripped the referee while aiming for a ball at his heels. He circulated the ball better in the second half and drew the penalty that led to the 4-1 goal.
De Cat was exceptionally positioned as a number 10 and had to find his footing. He had two or three very nice plays in the first half, but too much wastefulness for a player of his caliber. He was much more comfortable when moved back to the number 8 position, distributing the play effectively, including on Bertaccini’s 5-1 goal, which finally found the back of the net.
Degreef can thank Pletinckx for deceiving his goalkeeper, because Tristan’s attempt lacked conviction. Like all the other Purple & White players, he woke up in the second half.
Cvetkovic preferred to Bertaccini as a left winger who gets into the game, he also waited for the second half before finding his rhythm. Very mobile and lively, he was valuable during his half-hour of play in the second period. He scored a nice goal with his back to the goal.
Hazard received a standing ovation once again for Thorgan, even though he had been poor before halftime, notably taking four corners in a row too low. But his deflected free kick and beautifully taken penalty gave him wings.
Anderlecht dominates OHL and signs a second consecutive victory, Hazard author of a double (5-1)
Kanate made a lot of sprints but had zero impact. He consistently made the wrong choices.
Taravel tried to surprise Mazzù by putting De Cat in the number 10 role and posting Llansana alongside Saliba, but his system only worked after a gift from Maziz. He demanded spectacle and his players delivered.
