AA Gent has not given itself an early Christmas present. The Buffalos dominated against an immature Standard, but failed to score: 0-0. AA Gent has thus missed the opportunity to sneak into the top four, while Standard seems to be in need of reflection.
The Christmas mood is missing at Standard these days. After the 4-0 disgrace in the cup against Antwerp, the Rouches had to straighten their backs in the Ghelamco Arena and regain their confidence, but that was without counting on a dominant AA Gent. Moreover, Standard went heavily battered towards the Buffalos and the Rouches could not hide that at any time in the game. In addition to Raskin, Standard coach Ronny Deila also had to do without the suspended Philip Zinckernagel and Kostas Laifis. In addition, the flu virus had also captivated the group of players, so that Noe Dussenne was also missing.
Anything but an ideal preparation for the top match against AA Gent and the home team did not intend to hand out early Christmas gifts in-house. Hein Vanhaezebrouck did have some surprises in store and brought a changed team between the lines. Jens Petter Hauge was allowed to start in the base this time after his excellent raid in the cup. However, Vanhaezebrouck placed him in the position of left wingback, which is unusual for him, so that the Norwegian had a difficult match. Hjulsager and Owusu were also allowed to start the match and it was the latter that stood out in particular.
Bar and post in the way
In midfield, Owusu and Odjidja ruled the roost. They were sharper in the duels than their opponents, faster on the second ball and they were also important in the build-up. Even more: the duo also came to squeak offensively at times. Owusu once made it to the enemy’s sixteen with a rush, while Vadis Odjidja signed for Ghent’s best chance. On the stroke of half-time he scored with a shot from a long distance, but the leather shattered on the crossbar.
Standard came into the game a little more as the first half progressed, but the Rouches lacked power in the front and in midfield. Ghent, on the other hand, continued to set up good combinations at times. Hjulsager and Cuypers set up a nice one-two, but they couldn’t score. Bodart made an excellent save for Cuypers’ attempt. Hauge then came just too late on a good low cross from the same Cuypers and Hong incomprehensibly headed a rebound from close range. And it didn’t stop there, because Hjulsager hit the target wood in the first half, just like Vadis. Vanhaezebrouck gradually got it on his hips on the sidelines. Not surprising, because Ghent already counted ten goal attempts after 45 minutes, Standard barely one.
Ghent also came out the best in the dressing room. Samoise surprised from a sharp angle right after Bodart, after which a Ghent siege followed on Standard’s half. However, the ball just didn’t fall right every time. Or Ngadeu missed his shot. With twenty minutes to play, Ghent seemed to be handing out a Christmas present to the increasingly immature Rouches. Referee Erik Lambrechts pointed to the spot after Ngadeu received the ball from close range, but the VAR ended up interfering. No penalty and so it remained 0-0.
As numbers five and six in the competition, AA Gent and Standard don’t get anywhere with a point. Especially for Ghent it will be a draw with a sour aftertaste, while Standard cannot win for the third league game in a row. The Rouches seem ready for reflection this Christmas season.
Opstelling AA Gent: Nardi; Okumu, Ngadeu, Torunarigha; Samoise (75′ Castro-Montes), Odjidja, Owusu (75′ Depoitre), Hauge (59′ Fofana); Hjulsager (83′ Wrong), Hong; Cuypers
Opstelling Standard: Bodart; Melegoni, Noubi, Bokadi, Barrett Laursen; Balikwisha (90 + 2′ Canak), Cimirot (83′ Kuavita), Alzate; Davida (67′ Dragus), Perica (90 + 2′ Ohio), Donnum
Goals: none
Gele kaarten: Barret Laursen, Bokadi, Perica, Cimirot, Canak
Red cards: none
Referee: Erik Lambrechts
