Anderlecht up to fifth after win but analysts split on title challenge

RSC Anderlecht's recent 3-0 victory over Zulte Waregem has lifted them to fifth place in the Jupiler Pro League, but opinions are divided on their title ambitions. Vitor Bruno's side have 13 points from seven games and sit six points behind leaders Union Saint-Gilloise.

Analyst Peter Vandenbempt was full of praise for the performance against Zulte. "Anderlecht played their best match of the season so far against Zulte Waregem," he said. He pointed to more drive, speed, and chances than in the earlier match against Kortrijk, with the team running five kilometres more than their opponents. The statistics support that view: Anderlecht have scored seven and conceded five this season, with recent form showing three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five league matches.

Former Anderlecht defender Olivier Deschacht shared the enthusiasm. "It is again enjoyable to watch Anderlecht. Champagne football? I was very enthusiastic," he reacted. Deschacht also defended Bruno's rotation in the Europa League defeat to Lyon, stating the coach wanted to assess certain players in a squad with twelve new faces. He argued Bruno learned from that match and is now applying those lessons.

Critical note

Not everyone is convinced. Former Belgian international Radja Nainggolan sees too much inconsistency. He believes good spells are followed by bad ones and that talking about challenging the top is premature. He previously remarked that Anderlecht would need 'size 58 shoes' to tickle clubs like Club Brugge. Nainggolan states the team currently brings too little, does not build from the back, and the overall picture does not add up.

Analyst Sam Kerkhofs does see progress. He called the win over Zulte Waregem good and a confirmation of positive trends. Kerkhofs highlighted Tawfik Bentayeb as a player to build on and spoke of gradual improvement. Bentayeb opened the scoring last Saturday in the 40th minute and provided an assist for the second goal from Marten Winkler, who scored twice.

League context

The path to a top-three finish, the club's stated season aim, remains steep. The top four, with Union SG and KAA Gent unbeaten and taking 19 points from 21 games, are performing strongly. Club Brugge lost to Gent but otherwise have 18 points from 18 matches. Anderlecht must therefore quickly close the six-point gap to Union SG.

The next opportunity comes after the international break, on 10 October away to Cercle Brugge. Cercle currently sit 17th, but won the last meeting in March by 2-3. Coach Bruno now has time to further drill his ideas before a key run of games that could define the season.

This story first appeared at voetbalkrant.com