Beerschot link up

[ISZA ⚔️]

Killed a bit of time at the end of my Sunday taking in the Beerschot game. First time I'd managed to see a game uninterrupted so I penned a few thoughts.

They went down 3-2 in a game of two halves really which was made closer due to the sending off of one of the major players in the game.

To be fair to Mechelen, they aren't a bad team. They are 7th and pushing for the European spots. They have the lad Shved, who used to be at Celtic out wide and another decent forward called Storm. More on him later. But they looked assured early on.

Not sure if the coach decided they will just go for the win and accept the consequences but the team selection was very optimistic with very little thought given to defensive discipline and they really unravelled very quickly.

They set up 3-4-3. Three outright strikers in Avenatti, the target man they have on loan, Suzuki; think Oliver Burke, runs about a lot but such a rare goal threat, he makes McBurnie's Blades record look prolific, and Shankland on the left.

In midfield Sanusi, who is the current captain and probably best defensive midfielder I've seen with them. His partner was Holzhauser who is a nice ball player, decent set piece taker but isn't known for his defensive work at all. Out wide they had de Smet on loan from Reims who isn't up to much and Halaïmia, who is quick, lacks a final ball and isn't great defensively but can carry the ball forward well. Dom who is a better defensive right back was out injured I believe, as was Lemos, the Uruguayan centre back. The young lad Sebaoui was on the bench. Pietermaat usually plays on central midfield but he was injured.

In defence they welcomed back Van den Bergh who I thought was poor at left wing back when I saw him previously but who looked a lot more assured at left centre half. Bourdain who had been playing there was suspended. Alongside him were Radic who is a pretty aggressive, sometimes rash young centre half and Konstantopoulos, who is a young Greek centre back, very much learning his trade and behind Radic in his development, but is the same height at 6'3".

In goal the 37 year old Biebauw retained his place ahead of Vanhammel who was not in the squad, not sure if due to COVID or not, but he'd been the scape goat for the 7-0, even though I thought he looked a serviceable keeper.

Mechelen were on the front foot early on and Beerschot struggled to get any foothold in the game. They also have a habit of playing themselves into trouble which doesn't help their cause with a bit of messing around with a throw on the right almost coughing up a chance.

They fell behind on around 11 minutes. A through ball split the three man defence and Storm raced through. Unlike last week Biebauw chose not to narrow the angle but to no avail as a good finish in the corner goalie's right corner gave him little chance.

Beerschot continued to chase shadows and we're cut open once more on 18 minutes. A clever back heal wrong footed the defence and Shved was in acres of space on the right and put a nice ball into the middle for Cuypers to head in unmarked. Pretty poor defensively as the central defence got dragged towards the near post and nobody picked up the scorer.

The 3-4-3 kamikaze approach having floundered was abandoned on 28 minutes with a double substitution (you can make 5 subs in Belgium). Rigo came on for Konstantopoulos and Sebaoui on for Suzuki, reverting to a 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 with Rigo partnering Sinisi at the base of the midfield and the others supporting Avenatti and sometimes Shankland pairing with him.

That failed to stem the flow as a shot across the keeper by Storm ended up in the far corner. Not sure if the keeper was unsighted but it was another poor goal to concede. Prior to this Biebauw did make a terrific save to tip over the bar from Shved.

It was almost 35 minutes in that Shankland forced a corner and Rigo had a shot wide whilst Holzhauser got booked for a clumsy challenge but otherwise it was one way traffic. Storm was unlucky not to provide with a decent ball across the box which the onrushing player failed to connect.

Then the 4th flew in. A corner was only partly cleared and Vanlerberghe rifled in a shot to the keeper's bottom left corner. After a delay and check of the screen it was ruled out for an offside interfering with the keeper's view.

But 3-0 at half time it looked like another demoralizing score was incoming. For the first 15 minutes of the second half Mechelen continued in the ascendency. At that point, Storm miscontrolled the ball and lunged at Sanisi catching him above the ankle. Red card and an unexpected lifeline which Beerschot cashed in on almost immediately.

With new found belief, Beerschot gained scored a bizarre opener. A ball into the box from the left was nicely controlled on his chest by Avenatti who volleyed towards goal. The ball crashed against the post only to ricochet off the diving keeper and into the goal. Worth a look when the goals hit YouTube!

So on 62 minutes it was 3-1 with time left to take advantage of the additional man. Then the coach made two changes in the space of 5 minutes which I felt lost them the impetus.

Holzhauser was replaced by Noubissi, the Cameroonian striker and Avenatti made way for Mukuna-Trouet, a young forward.

Unless they were injured I felt as a neutral that these were the wrong changes. Holzhauser is Beerschot's best player. He was top scorer last season and their most creative presence. If ever they needed someone to conduct the tempo of the game it was then. They didn't need another forward, unless they were going to revert back to 3-4-3 and perhaps remove De Smet. Why you'd remove your most creative player when you're now playing against 10 men is anyone's guess. Likewise Avenatti is 6'5" and had just created the first goal. Surely such a presence would be helpful instead of sending on a young kid. The game didn't need pace because Mechelen would just sit in more, it needed direction and presence.

So unfortunately Beerschot then just didn't manage to create anything meaningful until the 85th minute with Rigo hit a howitzer which hammered against the keeper's left hand post flew back across the 6 yard box and to safety.

There was then an awful collision where the keeper came for a through ball and took out Mukuna-Trouet. VAR I thought could have had a closer look if it should have been another red though he may have got a bit of the ball first however I thought it was still dangerous play.

In injury time a cleared ball fell to Sanusi who hit a sumptuous volley into the far corner. A very nice strike and VAR didn't manage to find reason to disallow.

Unfortunately not enough time was left and the game ended in a 3-2 defeat.

In truth they paid for a very poor start after setting the team up completely wrongly and at half time you'd struggle to argue they deserved anything after such a poor first 45. They also lost momentum at a key time in the second half and we're unlucky with hitting the upright.

The young lad who did well last week Sebaoui had a relatively quiet game this week I thought, still time though, he's only 20 and signed his first pro contract until 2025 this week. Handy as it emerged both Holzhauser and Suzuki, who almost joined Mechelen this week, can both walk for free in the summer if/when Beerschot go down.

They play Kortrijk who are 9th next Sunday. Though Seraing also lost, there remains only 9 games of the regular season and Beerschot lag by 10 still, so the time for taking advantage of key moments is almost mathematically up.

I also don't feel the current coach makes the most logical decisions either so I'm not clear whether he will last. It might make sense to go back to Will Still, the young guy who was assistant to Losada. If they do go down then there genuinely would be a number of the U23s who could make an impact there, work permits and player openness permitting.

You’ve got right in to Beerschot haven’t you?

 

[Champagneblade]

You’ve got right in to Beerschot haven’t you?

They seem to always play when I'm not doing anything and when United don't have a game just when everyone is in bed here in Asia!

It's quite cathartic, pretty much reliving last season's United horror show through the eyes of another team! I'd rather watch a team United have links with than other PL teams I couldn't care less about to be honest. Today's VAR-fest at Anfield reminded me why.

It keeps me off the streets for now. I'm not planning on committing to becoming Hercule Deadbat anytime soon

You never know if any players may move between the clubs in the future. I don't see anyone at the moment. Even the playmaker Holzhauser, his style is quite languid. I'm not convinced he'd be so suitable to the football in the Championship. The pace is a little less in Belgium on what I've seen. There aren't any forwards tearing it up either. Radic has some similar qualities to Lopata but I'd say he still has to develop a fair bit though he's quite aggressive and only young. Even though I spelt his name wrong a few times(!) Sanusi might be useful as a defensive midfielder. He's 30 now already, though he's available on a free potentially in the summer.

I think getting hold of Chateauroux games might be a challenge mind you!

 

[jono_t2000]

They seem to always play when I'm not doing anything and when United don't have a game just when everyone is in bed here in Asia!

It's quite cathartic, pretty much reliving last season's United horror show through the eyes of another team!

It keeps me off the streets

Enjoy your little match reports on Beerschot Champers. Cheers!

 

[PurpleRain]

Torrente got sacked today together with his brother assistant. That will be 5 managers in 2 seasons. What a vision hey…

 

[Champagneblade]

Torrente got sacked today together with his brother assistant. That will be 5 managers in 2 seasons. What a vision hey…

I think it was my fault.

I was quite critical of his initial set up and second half subs in my posting on page 14.

It was only a matter of time after I penned that

 

[PurpleRain]

I think it was my fault.

I was quite critical of his initial set up and second half subs in my posting on page 14.

It was only a matter of time after I penned that

You were not the only one noticing that his tactical choices are suicide missions. Even Boreham Wood can set up a structured defense, it’s the least you can expect if the quality is not there…

 

[Champagneblade]

You were not the only one noticing that his tactical choices are suicide missions. Even Boreham Wood can set up a structured defense, it’s the least you can expect if the quality is not there…

Who do you want next PurpleRain ? Are there any favoured candidates amongst the fans?

Has Greg Vanderidt any reasonable experience?

Get Will Still back from assisting Standard Liege?

 

[PurpleRain]

Who do you want next PurpleRain ? Are there any favoured candidates amongst the fans?

Has Greg Vanderidt any reasonable experience?

Get Will Still back from assisting Standard Liege?

Vanderidt’s experience is third division, no real achievements. He came because he spoke many languages including Spanish which was convenient with Torrente not speaking English or Dutch and so not able to communicate with the majority of the players. We should be building for second division now so a manager who knows that league would be nice. Personally I would look to someone like Bob Peeters, he knows that league very well. Still’s problem is that he is too close to some players he has managed at Lierse (Vanhamel, Bourdin and Frans) and they had a much too strong position in the dressing room compared to their performances. It was not a healthy situation. Plus that Still did pick up some points but the football was horrendous hoof ball. Not something our crowd can live with having a tradition of entertaining technical football.

 

[Champagneblade]

After a traumatic week where Beerschot changed manager, lost 6 players through COVID and had their main stand closed, finally some positive news with a 2-1 home win vs Kortrijk.

The lead up to the match was overshadowed by 6 covid cases, robbing the team of the services of Sanusi, the captain, Holzhauser, the star player, fellow centre backs Bourdain and Lemos, both of whom have started relatively frequently this season and Suzuki, the industrious Japanese forward. Belhadj, another centre half option from the U21s was also unavailable.

Off the field the local authorities, to whom the stadium belongs, had deemed the main stand to be failing the required safety expectations and the 1,000+ ticket holders had to be replaced elsewhere in the ground. This also meant corporate boxes were unavailable and prompted renewed talk of moving to a new ground elsewhere on the city though the club confirmed immediate focus would remian on the €7m training facility.

Having said goodbye to the Bielsista Javier Torrente, Greg Vanderidt took charge of his first game.

Both Beershot and Kortrijk lined up with a conventional 4-4-2 formation.
Biebauw remaining in goal. The back four was made up of the return of experienced Jerome Dom at right back supplemented with the regulars from the prior game, Radic and Van den Bergh with de Smet the Reims loanee at left back.

In midfield, Pietermaat returned from absence and was joined by Rigo who impressed as sub last week, in lieu of Sanusi and Holzhauser the covid absentees. Out wide, the Bolivian, Vaca returned after a three match absence with the promising youngster Sebaoui on the flanks.

Up front Shankland partnered the target man Avenatti.

Beerschot suffered an early setback when Moreno's shot took a wicked deflection off Dom giving Biebauw no chance. Not the ideal start by any means.

Not dispondent, Beerschot equalized on the half hour mark. Avenatti was put through by de Smet to level the scores.

As half time approached Beerschot scored the decisive second goal. Sebaoui repaid the faith the new manager had shown in handing him his full debut, and slammed the ball home after a pass from Shankland.

He has now scored 2 goals in 1 start and 2 sub appearances which must give some encouragement to the locals.

2-1 is how it ended, with another young player, Patryk Walicki handed his debut in midfield and the keeper needing to be replaced in the dying moments through injury.

As unlikely an escape may be, February remains a crucial month. Beerschot were aided by the defeat of Serang, meaning they now trail by 7 with a game in hand. The result of which could be decided at the Belgium Arbitration for Sport on the 22nd where a final decision on the forfeit or replay of the cancelled game vs Standard will be finalized.

Beerschot will travel to 10th place Cercle Brugge next week with just 7 games remaining in the regular season.

In other United World news, Chateauroux have made a poor start to 2022 in their attempt to bounce out of the National division up to Ligue 2 at the first time of asking. Having been nestled in 4th, where the top 3 are promoted, they have fallen away a little at the wrong time, now 7 adrift with 13 to play and are struggling to have any impact away from home. They have already changed manager from Marco Simeone, one of those great players but shit managers to Mathieu Chabert who already has promotions to Ligue 2 with both Béziers and Bastia.

After 5 games this year they have lost all three away from home, to Bastia, Le Mains and the Breton team, Stade Briochon, 5 goals conceded without reply. In contrast, at home they have managed a 3-0 vs Avranches and 4-1 vs Créteil. This week they face Sète away, a former club kf their manager which is known as the Venice of Languedoc. Sounds like a great away day!

 

[PurpleRain]

2 fantastic goals and finally some spirit back in the team. You never know, ain’t over until the fat lady sings.

 

[Champagneblade]

2 fantastic goals and finally some spirit back in the team. You never know, ain’t over until the fat lady sings.

Great win when you consider the disruption of the past week and those missing. At least it gives the players some motivation getting the deficit down to single figures.

You must really be cursing the poor defeat at Seraing; you'd have been 1 point behind with a game in hand.

They don't seem to be in good form at all and I see they have Gent next who won their last two.

I see they have 8 players on loan from Metz as well as 2 elsewhere (Lille, Molde). Are they owned by the same group as Metz? Is there no maximum in Belgium? it seems rather unfair for them to effectively borrow half a squad. Any limitations on matchday XI?

 

[PurpleRain]

Great win when you consider the disruption of the past week and those missing. At least it gives the players some motivation getting the deficit down to single figures.

You must really be cursing the poor defeat at Seraing; you'd have been 1 point behind with a game in hand.

They don't seem to be in good form at all and I see they have Gent next who won their last two.

I see they have 8 players on loan from Metz as well as 2 elsewhere (Lille, Molde). Are they owned by the same group as Metz? Is there no maximum in Belgium? it seems rather unfair for them to effectively borrow half a squad. Any limitations on matchday XI?

The seraing away game was indeed a crucial one. I think they should have sacked Torrente earlier, he had no connection with the players and played some key players like Van den Bergh out of position. Seraing are owned by Metz and are like a reserve team for them. Our league has now limitations on loan players. Next week is again crucial, I think Seraing will lose in Gent and then it’s up to us to get the points in cercle. Not impossible if the fighting spirit is there. Also feel that our owners did not enough in the winter transfer period. 2 extra quality players would really got us out of trouble.

 

[Silent Blade]

The seraing away game was indeed a crucial one. I think they should have sacked Torrente earlier, he had no connection with the players and played some key players like Van den Bergh out of position. Seraing are owned by Metz and are like a reserve team for them. Our league has now limitations on loan players. Next week is again crucial, I think Seraing will lose in Gent and then it’s up to us to get the points in cercle. Not impossible if the fighting spirit is there. Also feel that our owners did not enough in the winter transfer period. 2 extra quality players would really got us out of trouble.

Do you remember the player below? He is profoundly deaf, scored a hat trick for Rijeka in an UEFA cup match. He played once for Yugoslavia (v Romania in 1980 Euro qualifiers). He joined Kortrijk in 1985. I met him and spoke to him when he was playing for Croatia deaf against GB deaf at Don Valley stadium in the late 1990s

 

[PurpleRain]

I was 9 years old then, don’t remember him playing in Belgium.

Do you remember the player below? He is profoundly deaf, scored a hat trick for Rijeka in an UEFA cup match. He played once for Yugoslavia (v Romania in 1980 Euro qualifiers). He joined Kortrijk in 1985. I met him and spoke to him when he was playing for Croatia deaf against GB deaf at Don Valley stadium in the late 1990s

View attachment 130443

sorry, I think I was too young at that time to remember him.

 

[Champagneblade]

So given the rather inconsiderate scheduling of the Beerschot game starting within 15 minutes of the United one I didn't get to watch.

They were hampered by both Strikers being unavailable, Shankland was ill and Ateletti was suspended. Retaining a 4-4-2 it was reported Holzhauser, coming back in from COVID, took one of the forward roles alongside Noubissi. Sanusi came back into midfield for Rigo with the rest remaining the same.

I've seen the goals and they were pretty poor with three key moments in the game:

Corner from the left, it looks like the more experienced centre back Van den Bergh doesn't pick up Denkey who diverts the ball unchallenged. 1-0 Cercle Brugge.

That was on 27 minutes and 2 minutes later the situation got worse. In one of those that you see often, the player miscontrols the ball then looks to retrieve possession only to lunge in and catch the opponent on the ankle. Straight red and Beerschot down to 10.

Beerschot are already in the bottom three in Europe for worst away records so optimism wouldn't have been high at this point. It took a further nosedive in injury time at the end of the first half. The defence backed off and invited a shot from just inside the box and slightly to the keeper's right. It was a decent-ish save by Vanhamel but he did the cardinal sin off parrying the ball out rather than wide and it was sent back with interest by Matondo before the goalie could readjust.

To get more running into the team, Vaca with withdrawn and Suzuki given a run up front with Holzhauser back into midfield. On 78 minutes both him and de Smet, the left back were withdrawn in favour of Bourdain on the left and Halaïmia on the right (I assume) but to no avail and the score remained 2-0.

The expected defeat of Seraing at Gent did not happen as the match was postponed due to adverse conditions. That match now takes place on Thursday.

It will be a season defining few days for Beerschot now.

They have the appeal today at 6pm for whether their game with Liege needs to be restaged early next month or whether Liege will forfeit. If that goes their way then it might just the the shot in the arm to beat Charleroi at home. That would leave them one behind Seraing, with the latter expecting to take nothing from their away game at Gent on Thursday.

All in all that would then leave Seraing to play their catch up fixture on Monday against Zulte Waregem. If they lost then it would have both teams on 29 matches with just 5 left to play with Beerschot trailing by just 1 on 22 points. Seraing losing to Zulte Waregem would mean that Beerschot's hope is to overhaul Seriang in the remaining 5 matches to set up participation in the end of season play offs for survival vs the best of the Belgium second tier. Zulte would be 7 points clear at that point so staying up and avoiding the play offs would seem fanciful. A draw would leave them 2 behind Seraing and 5 behind Zulte.

It still looks like Beerschot will curse not managing to avoid defeat in late January, when they lost 2-1 away to Seraing.

I'm sure PurpleRain can provide better insight and I have a hunch that Beerschot will have to replay the game on a technicality but either way, it's getting to the end game now. Still no sign of Coulibaly who still appears to be nursing his bad foot injury.

I should add that Chateauroux had a happier time of it, winning 1-0 away at Sète, scoring in the 32nd minute with the opposition reduced to ten men from the 37th. That leaves them 5 off the autos with 12 games remaining.

 

[PurpleRain]

On my way to London now, going to Southampton-Norwich tonight and then tomorrow off to Millwall. But my thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, feels not right to enjoy something now when people in Europe are under attack.

 

[Champagneblade]

The man. The myth. The legend.

Coulibaly makes the Beerschot squad for this weekend's game with Charleroi at home. Likely be a sub but might be a chance to get a glimpse of him.

Charleroi haven't scored for the past two games, a 3-0 defeat at home to the league leaders, Union St Gilloise owned by Tony Bloom of Brighton. Prior to this they lost 2-0 away at Club Brugge.

They have some important players missing: regular right back Van Cleemput, attacking midfielder and top assister Morioka (4 goals, 9 assists in 27 starts) are both injured and Gholizadeh, winger (7 goals, 4 assists in 26 starts) is suspended.

Beerschot should welcome back Avenatti (who I completely misspelled in my last post!) and Shankland who was ill for the last game. Noubissi will be suspended after his sending off.

In other news they lost their appeal at BAS meaning they will play Standard Liege, where Will Still the former cach is now assistant manager. Game will be next Wednesday at 5.45pm UK time.

This weekend's game is tonight at 7.45pm.

Chateauroux seem to play Friday nights a fair bit and they kick off against Bourg-en-Bresse at 6pm tonight. They are the team sitting in 3rd so this is a real crucial game. They sit on 41 points from 22, meaning a Chateauroux victory would bring them within 2 points. A defeat and they are 8 adrift with 11 to play.

Enjoy the Blades game PurpleRain . Hope you bring us luck!

 

[jono_t2000]

On my way to London now, going to Southampton-Norwich tonight and then tomorrow off to Millwall. But my thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, feels not right to enjoy something now when people in Europe are under attack.

Glad you get to see the red and white wizards live in action.

Do try and enjoy the game (even if sitting with the enemy haha) as saddening as it is what's going on right now, the world has been in too much darkness for the last few years, so you should allow yourself a little brightness when you get the chance.

 

[Champagneblade]

It's another bad week for Beerschot.

What they hoped for - a positive result at BAS gifting the 3 points from Standard for the postponed game and a home win v Charleroi to close the gap to potential safety to 1 point.

What they got - a ruling against them to now have to play next week v Standard in a game you'd back them to lose and a 3-2 loss after looking comfortable at 2-1 with VAR failing to chalk off the winning goal. It must seem that things are just conspiring against them.

First off, Avenatti, who had been a decent focal point in recent weeks completed his suspension only to have picked up an injury, ruling him out, so with other strikers unavailable they lined up 4-3-3.

Vamhamel continued in goal, Bourdain, the left centre back replaced de Smet at left back, who dropped to the bench. A massive failing of Jan Van Winkel and the recruitment team to not have got them a competent, dedicated left back, maybe they were banking on Norrington-Davies saying yes to a loan, though his decision has since been vindicated. The rest of the defence was made up of Radic and Van den Bergh as centre backs and Halaïmia at right back, who I don't find to be so good defensively. This latter move allowed Dom to move into what was a very defensive minded midfield alongside Pietermaat and Sanusi, the captain.

Up front they had Shankland flanked by the promising young lad, Ilias Sebaoui on the left and on the right the Bolivian, Vaca, another who I don't feel does enough. Attacking midfielders that don't score at all are not that useful a commodity.

In terms of team selection I found this a bit negative. Not even draws are good enough so to line up with one striker and 3 defensive options in midfield against a team that hadn't scored in the last 2 matches was a missed opportunity in my opinion especially with their two most valuable players, Holzhauser and Coulibaly on the bench, though I acknowledge the latter is coming back from injury.

Given Charleroi were already depleted (see last post), they had further issues with one of the outfielders and the keeper being subbed early on.

That said, Beerschot contrived to go behind with the ex (unsuccessful) Celtic forward Bayo netting with Halaïmia exposed.

For the second period of the first half I felt Beerschot grabbed hold of the game. On the 24th minute the ball broke to Sebaoui just inside the left of the penalty area and he rifled a shot across the keeper into the top corner. Not long after a great breakaway move saw Vaca play in Shankland but he hit it straight at the keeper when through. A golden opportunity. That was all until half time with Beerschot in the ascendency.

Things got better after the break with Shankland laying off for Dom who made no mistake with the finish. One of the websites I followed (sporza.be) they were commenting that Charleroi were running out of ideas at this point in the match. It was on 71 minutes Bayo forced a save which was well handled and you started to think this might be Beerschot's day in a game they were deserving to win. Then, in a cruel twist of fate Kayembe's pass was deflected into his own net by Radic. Then in a 2 minute spell it fully unravelled. Holzhauser and Coulibaly were introduced to replace Vaca and Halaïmia with Dom moving to right back; I found this to be the logical move at the time. Holzhauser then set up Shankland but his radar was off and then within a minute on 77 they were behind. Zorgane, their most impressive player, was involved in a challenge with Coulibaly and he put the resultant ball in the net. I didn't see the replays but Beershot wanted a foul for a push on Coulibaly but it wasn't given. Apart from Pietermaat being replaced by Suzuki, nothing much happened other than Coulibaly picking up a booking.

You can understand that Beerschot feels the authorities are against them with the week they've had, though you do have to make your own luck at times and contriving to lose a game you were playing well in and 2-1 up with less than 20 remaining hints that mentally this group is fragile and needs freshening up or a brand new personality coming in to lead them.

They should never have lost that game. But they sit 7 behind Seraing with just 6 games remaining. Next week Seraing in 17th go to 16th place Zulte Waregem which can't be good for Beerschot who then play 14th place Standard. Just like us last season, going down by the odd goal is no good, only wins will do so they may as well just attack these next 6 games. They need to win half and hope Seraing are just stuck in a rut. For all their poor season, injuries to key players like Coulibaly and Sanusi not helping, not throwing away this game and not playing so naively vs Seraing and they'd still be looking at a chance of top flight football next season.

Better signings would have helped certainly and the scatter gun approach to buying young players from all over has failed; a bit like investing in the cherries and the chocolate chips of the cake and then realising you'd forgot to buy the flour! That said they have also not been well managed over the season. Left back is a weakness but the keeper is above average, Dom at right back is solid defensively and they should have enough with Radic and others to fashion a more solid central defence, rather than failing to keep a clean sheets for the past 15 matches. Maybe they lack leadership and/or organisation in defence? But this should be better coached. The solution can't just be to make your midfield very defensive. In midfield, Sanusi has been missing for a while as well as Coulibaly and is a decent DM though I didn't think he was as good as recent games today. Pietermaat I find 'ok' but in Holzhauser and Sebaoui they have two potential match winners. Vaca plays a lot but shows little end product. When relegation is confirmed maybe he will produce more output at a lower level and be more effective. So there are options there, but they have been injured or underutilized.

Up front it isn't as if they haven't invested. They just invested poorly. Shankland has improved recently but has had a poor season for the most part given he came for close on 1m. The Japanese, Suzuki, is a willing runner, but never looks a goal threat. Noubissi has parts to his game, he's quite strong and occasionally can finish but is very inconsistent and raw and looks not much more than a sub. They also made another decent sized cash signing who got shipped off to Turkey, Eleke who came in for over 1m. Avenatti I have thought a positive addition and at 6'5" presents a focal point for the attack. He would need the right partner but I think he's more likely to provide use to the team than the others.

I know little of Peter Maes. He is an older coach and seemed to be regarded as a safe pair of hands but him and the players recruited saw him with 1 point from 7 matches which has set the tone for the season. Hiring Torrente, a coach who could not communicate with the players in their home language or English at least, was a gamble which simply didn't work. Just because he put the cones out for Bielsa only meant he suffered the same shortcomings as his compatriot without the tactical brilliance to offset. Something a bit more sensible, someone who knew the league would have been a bit less desperate.

It's disappointing that Seriki's loan didn't work out but that wasn't where this team needed strengthening. I hope it doesn't put United off, assuming no issue with Visas the other way. I do think the hierarchy underestimated the standard at times for those venturing into men's football without a single loan spell under their belt, Seriki and Broadbent. You can imagine Lopata being a decent signing for them in January for example. I think we have just chosen the wrong players. For instance you could imagine Osula doing well there if they went down. Lopata if they had stayed up.

I also caught the latter 20 mins of the Chateauroux game. They played Bourg-en-Bresse, the team in 3rd; if not a must win game, a definite must not lose one. They fell behind towards the beginning of the second half but managed to equalise in the 74th minute. Then it was pretty much all Chateauroux. They did score a second but their jubilation was short lived after it was rightfully chalked off for offside. They remain 5 off third, having missed a golden opportunity to put themselves in the mix. Still 11 games left for them but they need a good run to get achieve their objective. They play 5th away (Sedan), 2nd at home (Stade Lavallois) followed by 1st place Concarneau away so they'll know by then how serious a contender they are.

Now back to the Blades!

 

[jono_t2000]

It's another bad week for Beerschot.

What they hoped for - a positive result at BAS gifting the 3 points from Standard for the postponed game and a home win v Charleroi to close the gap to potential safety to 1 point.

What they got - a ruling against them to now have to play next week v Standard in a game you'd back them to lose and a 3-2 loss after looking comfortable at 2-1 with VAR failing to chalk off the winning goal. It must seem that things are just conspiring against them.

First off, Avenatti, who had been a decent focal point in recent weeks completed his suspension only to have picked up an injury, ruling him out, so with other strikers unavailable they lined up 4-3-3.

Vamhamel continued in goal, Bourdain, the left centre back replaced de Smet at left back, who dropped to the bench. A massive failing of Jan Van Winkel and the recruitment team to not have got them a competent, dedicated left back, maybe they were banking on Norrington-Davies saying yes to a loan, though his decision has since been vindicated. The rest of the defence was made up of Radic and Van den Bergh as centre backs and Halaïmia at right back, who I don't find to be so good defensively. This latter move allowed Dom to move into what was a very defensive minded midfield alongside Pietermaat and Sanusi, the captain.

Up front they had Shankland flanked by the promising young lad, Ilias Sebaoui on the left and on the right the Bolivian, Vaca, another who I don't feel does enough. Attacking midfielders that don't score at all are not that useful a commodity.

In terms of team selection I found this a bit negative. Not even draws are good enough so to line up with one striker and 3 defensive options in midfield against a team that hadn't scored in the last 2 matches was a missed opportunity in my opinion especially with their two most valuable players, Holzhauser and Coulibaly on the bench, though I acknowledge the latter is coming back from injury.

Given Charleroi were already depleted (see last post), they had further issues with one of the outfielders and the keeper being subbed early on.

That said, Beerschot contrived to go behind with the ex (unsuccessful) Celtic forward Bayo netting with Halaïmia exposed.

For the second period of the first half I felt Beerschot grabbed hold of the game. On the 24th minute the ball broke to Sebaoui just inside the left of the penalty area and he rifled a shot across the keeper into the top corner. Not long after a great breakaway move saw Vaca play in Shankland but he hit it straight at the keeper when through. A golden opportunity. That was all until half time with Beerschot in the ascendency.

Things got better after the break with Shankland laying off for Dom who made no mistake with the finish. One of the websites I followed (sporza.be) they were commenting that Charleroi were running out of ideas at this point in the match. It was on 71 minutes Bayo forced a save which was well handled and you started to think this might be Beerschot's day in a game they were deserving to win. Then, in a cruel twist of fate Kayembe's pass was deflected into his own net by Radic. Then in a 2 minute spell it fully unravelled. Holzhauser and Coulibaly were introduced to replace Vaca and Halaïmia with Dom moving to right back; I found this to be the logical move at the time. Holzhauser then set up Shankland but his radar was off and then within a minute on 77 they were behind. Zorgane, their most impressive player, was involved in a challenge with Coulibaly and he put the resultant ball in the net. I didn't see the replays but Beershot wanted a foul for a push on Coulibaly but it wasn't given. Apart from Pietermaat being replaced by Suzuki, nothing much happened other than Coulibaly picking up a booking.

You can understand that Beerschot feels the authorities are against them with the week they've had, though you do have to make your own luck at times and contriving to lose a game you were playing well in and 2-1 up with less than 20 remaining hints that mentally this group is fragile and needs freshening up or a brand new personality coming in to lead them.

They should never have lost that game. But they sit 7 behind Seraing with just 6 games remaining. Next week Seraing in 17th go to 16th place Zulte Waregem which can't be good for Beerschot who then play 14th place Standard. Just like us last season, going down by the odd goal is no good, only wins will do so they may as well just attack these next 6 games. They need to win half and hope Seraing are just stuck in a rut. For all their poor season, injuries to key players like Coulibaly and Sanusi not helping, not throwing away this game and not playing so naively vs Seraing and they'd still be looking at a chance of top flight football next season.

Better signings would have helped certainly and the scatter gun approach to buying young players from all over has failed; a bit like investing in the cherries and the chocolate chips of the cake and then realising you'd forgot to buy the flour! That said they have also not been well managed over the season. Left back is a weakness but the keeper is above average, Dom at right back is solid defensively and they should have enough with Radic and others to fashion a more solid central defence, rather than failing to keep a clean sheets for the past 15 matches. Maybe they lack leadership and/or organisation in defence? But this should be better coached. The solution can't just be to make your midfield very defensive. In midfield, Sanusi has been missing for a while as well as Coulibaly and is a decent DM though I didn't think he was as good as recent games today. Pietermaat I find 'ok' but in Holzhauser and Sebaoui they have two potential match winners. Vaca plays a lot but shows little end product. When relegation is confirmed maybe he will produce more output at a lower level and be more effective. So there are options there, but they have been injured or underutilized.

Up front it isn't as if they haven't invested. They just invested poorly. Shankland has improved recently but has had a poor season for the most part given he came for close on 1m. The Japanese, Suzuki, is a willing runner, but never looks a goal threat. Noubissi has parts to his game, he's quite strong and occasionally can finish but is very inconsistent and raw and looks not much more than a sub. They also made another decent sized cash signing who got shipped off to Turkey, Eleke who came in for over 1m. Avenatti I have thought a positive addition and at 6'5" presents a focal point for the attack. He would need the right partner but I think he's more likely to provide use to the team than the others.

I know little of Peter Maes. He is an older coach and seemed to be regarded as a safe pair of hands but him and the players recruited saw him with 1 point from 7 matches which has set the tone for the season. Hiring Torrente, a coach who could not communicate with the players in their home language or English at least, was a gamble which simply didn't work. Just because he put the cones out for Bielsa only meant he suffered the same shortcomings as his compatriot without the tactical brilliance to offset. Something a bit more sensible, someone who knew the league would have been a bit less desperate.

It's disappointing that Seriki's loan didn't work out but that wasn't where this team needed strengthening. I hope it doesn't put United off, assuming no issue with Visas the other way. I do think the hierarchy underestimated the standard at times for those venturing into men's football without a single loan spell under their belt, Seriki and Broadbent. You can imagine Lopata being a decent signing for them in January for example. I think we have just chosen the wrong players. For instance you could imagine Osula doing well there if they went down. Lopata if they had stayed up.

I also caught the latter 20 mins of the Chateauroux game. They played Bourg-en-Bresse, the team in 3rd; if not a must win game, a definite must not lose one. They fell behind towards the beginning of the second half but managed to equalise in the 74th minute. Then it was pretty much all Chateauroux. They did score a second but their jubilation was short lived after it was rightfully chalked off for offside. They remain 5 off third, having missed a golden opportunity to put themselves in the mix. Still 11 games left for them but they need a good run to get achieve their objective. They play 5th away (Sedan), 2nd at home (Stade Lavallois) followed by 1st place Concarneau away so they'll know by then how serious a contender they are.

Now back to the Blades!

Thanks for the update, i enjoy reading these

 

[PurpleRain]

Blades in full voice

 

[Gin&Juice]

Blades in full voice

Enjoy mate

 

[jono_t2000]

Blades in full voice

Sorry you had to witness that shitshow mate. You brought ur Beerschot losing vibes over to us I think!

 

[Weasel]

Blimey you picked a poor one to attend today. Up there with one of the worst of the season. Never mind, that's what makes football, you never can predict it.

Hopefully you will enjoy the sights and sensations of the capital to make the weekend more memorable for you and the family.

 

[PurpleRain]

It felt like a proper game of English football, a lot of aggression and challenges. Some of the refereeing was shocking I thought. United was the better team but light up front. Can’t believe you paid 20 mio for McBurnie, he didn’t touch the ball, won zero headers. I thought Ndiyae is a proper player, cool on the ball. Sharp was also a class above most on the pitch and off course Gibbs White when he came on. Strange he did not start. I thought Millwall were poor but from a set piece you van expect dangour with a guy like Cooper. The Blades made a nice atmosphere, much more singing than Millwall.
All in all a nice experience, liked the Millwall ground, very old school which I like. Sorry for the bad vibes I brought along but I think it’s more the owners who bring us these bad vibes with their recruitment.

 

[Champagneblade]

Sorry for anyone who is finding this to be an all too real flashback to last season, but I'm committed now to taking you all to the season's bitter end. If you're looking for good news, best to stop reading now.

In a match which possibly should have been settled off the field if the Belgium rule book was followed to the letter, now matter how questionable the rules, there to be followed and all that, Beerschot went down 1-0 to Standard Liege away from home.

The game wasn't without incident. A goal for starters; a clever one-two, a not so clever piece of goalkeeping , settled the affair though not before Beershot had 40 minutes against 10 men.

I've gotten to know their players a bit now and I really didn't like the team selection. The team should be set up to attack at this stage of desperation, going for goals at every avenue.

The selection had 6 dedicated defenders and 2 defensive midfield players and was lacking the most recent striking presence, Avenatti, due to his signing in the Jan window and this match having been rescheduled from before then. These guys just can't get a break. How we wish this rule was in place too for when Boro visit. Anyhow it wasn't a team selection that suggested Beerschot's heart was all out going for the win. The fact all the press mentioned they were playing the game 'with reservation's suggested they hadn't shaken off the injustice felt at a 3-0 walkover not being awarded.

By virtue of the fact Biebauw was still injured, Vanhamel retained his spot in goal. When I first saw him I thought he looked decent enough. His distribution was tidy and he made a few spectacular saves. But since Anderlecht pumped them 7-0 and he was dropped, losing the captaincy in the process, the wheels have come off. After their break when it was clear he had lost his spot he was quick to post stats on Instagram suggesting he had been performing well. If you have that in you, then I don't think you can be surprised when the captaincy gets given elsewhere.

It was a back 5, 3-5-2 overall or maybe even 3-5-1-1.

Back three was Radic, Lemos and Van den Bergh. Lemos I always feel is a bit of a bombscare even though he looks athletic and I'm surprised he's played in La Liga. You really don't see it. Radic can be dominant and is young but hopefully he doesn't have one of those contracts that sees him leave for nothing if relegated. I think PurpleRain might have mentioned Van den Bergh is part of a clique there which may need breaking up for the club to move to it's next iteration. He's ok, but they just aren't keeping clean sheets.

Out wide you had Halaïmiaand then Bourdain, who is a centre back by trade instead of de Smet, who isn't the best but at least he's a fullback and he'd started to contribute in the recent short-lived upturn in form. The best effort came from his shot from the edge of the box which the keeper pushed wide at full stretch after some nice work by Sebaoui dispossessing the defender.

Midfield had Sanusi, Pietermaat and Dom. The latter ought to be first choice right back. But you can imagine 2 DMs and a RB in midfield isn't going to be anywhere near creative enough and it wasn't. Even with 10 men when Dussenne caught Vaca, on as sub, with a stray arm, they failed to create much of significance.

Up front Shankland was more or less the one remaining fit and available striker and he was supporter by Sebaoui.

During the second half Vaca, Holzhauser, de Smet (due to a head clash Bourdain had with the keeper and got booked for) and Coulibaly all entered the fray but could not effect the outcome. Can't help but feel not having Avenatti as a presence impacted the outcome especially with 10 men.

Vaca did have a very good chance where Shankland headed a crossed pass into his path. The ball bounced a little high but he was unable to adjust and he ended up making a tame header to nowhere instead of better controlling it given he was in acres of space.

Coulibaly did hit a 30 yarder in the dying embers of the game that the keeper could only parry but was fortunate it did not fall to an attacking player. Hopefully he starts the next game so I can have a good look at him.

The Vaca miss then Coulibaly's play can be seen from about 3:25 onwards:


So 5 matches to go now, 7 adrift. A couple of matched to put dear Beerschot out of their misery. But there is still something to play for. The next game is against Royal Antwerp in the Antwerp derby on Sunday afternoon. Royal Antwerp are 3rd, 4 points off Club Brugge and 1 ahead of Anderlecht with Union Saint-Gillois almost home bad dry with a 7 point lead.

I'm sure it will be a spicy game with it being the last chance for Beerschot to salvage some pride from a wretched season.

Update to come in a few days!

 

[Houston_Blade]

Sorry for anyone who is finding this to be an all too real flashback to last season, but I'm committed now to taking you all to the season's bitter end. If you're looking for good news, best to stop reading now.

In a match which possibly should have been settled off the field if the Belgium rule book was followed to the letter, now matter how questionable the rules, there to be followed and all that, Beerschot went down 1-0 to Standard Liege away from home.

The game wasn't without incident. A goal for starters; a clever one-two, a not so clever piece of goalkeeping , settled the affair though not before Beershot had 40 minutes against 10 men.

I've gotten to know their players a bit now and I really didn't like the team selection. The team should be set up to attack at this stage of desperation, going for goals at every avenue.

The selection had 6 dedicated defenders and 2 defensive midfield players and was lacking the most recent striking presence, Avenatti, due to his signing in the Jan window and this match having been rescheduled from before then. These guys just can't get a break. How we wish this rule was in place too for when Boro visit. Anyhow it wasn't a team selection that suggested Beerschot's heart was all out going for the win. The fact all the press mentioned they were playing the game 'with reservation's suggested they hadn't shaken off the injustice felt at a 3-0 walkover not being awarded.

By virtue of the fact Biebauw was still injured, Vanhamel retained his spot in goal. When I first saw him I thought he looked decent enough. His distribution was tidy and he made a few spectacular saves. But since Anderlecht pumped them 7-0 and he was dropped, losing the captaincy in the process, the wheels have come off. After their break when it was clear he had lost his spot he was quick to post stats on Instagram suggesting he had been performing well. If you have that in you, then I don't think you can be surprised when the captaincy gets given elsewhere.

It was a back 5, 3-5-2 overall or maybe even 3-5-1-1.

Back three was Radic, Lemos and Van den Bergh. Lemos I always feel is a bit of a bombscare even though he looks athletic and I'm surprised he's played in La Liga. You really don't see it. Radic can be dominant and is young but hopefully he doesn't have one of those contracts that sees him leave for nothing if relegated. I think PurpleRain might have mentioned Van den Bergh is part of a clique there which may need breaking up for the club to move to it's next iteration. He's ok, but they just aren't keeping clean sheets.

Out wide you had Halaïmiaand then Bourdain, who is a centre back by trade instead of de Smet, who isn't the best but at least he's a fullback and he'd started to contribute in the recent short-lived upturn in form. The best effort came from his shot from the edge of the box which the keeper pushed wide at full stretch after some nice work by Sebaoui dispossessing the defender.

Midfield had Sanusi, Pietermaat and Dom. The latter ought to be first choice right back. But you can imagine 2 DMs and a RB in midfield isn't going to be anywhere near creative enough and it wasn't. Even with 10 men when Dussenne caught Vaca, on as sub, with a stray arm, they failed to create much of significance.

Up front Shankland was more or less the one remaining fit and available striker and he was supporter by Sebaoui.

During the second half Vaca, Holzhauser, de Smet (due to a head clash Bourdain had with the keeper and got booked for) and Coulibaly all entered the fray but could not effect the outcome. Can't help but feel not having Avenatti as a presence impacted the outcome especially with 10 men.

Vaca did have a very good chance where Shankland headed a crossed pass into his path. The ball bounced a little high but he was unable to adjust and he ended up making a tame header to nowhere instead of better controlling it given he was in acres of space.

Coulibaly did hit a 30 yarder in the dying embers of the game that the keeper could only parry but was fortunate it did not fall to an attacking player. Hopefully he starts the next game so I can have a good look at him.

The Vaca miss then Coulibaly's play can be seen from about 3:25 onwards:


So 5 matches to go now, 7 adrift. A couple of matched to put dear Beerschot out of their misery. But there is still something to play for. The next game is against Royal Antwerp in the Antwerp derby on Sunday afternoon. Royal Antwerp are 3rd, 4 points off Club Brugge and 1 ahead of Anderlecht with Union Saint-Gillois almost home bad dry with a 7 point lead.

I'm sure it will be a spicy game with it being the last chance for Beerschot to salvage some pride from a wretched season.

Update to come in a few days!

Did the manager talk about 'fine margins' after the game?!

 

[Champagneblade]

Did the manager talk about 'fine margins' after the game?!

He mentioned the hole in the training ground roof

 

[Champagneblade]

I pasted one comment in the wrong spot above. It was Dom with the shot at the edge of the area.

 

[ISZA ⚔️]

Sorry for anyone who is finding this to be an all too real flashback to last season, but I'm committed now to taking you all to the season's bitter end. If you're looking for good news, best to stop reading now.

In a match which possibly should have been settled off the field if the Belgium rule book was followed to the letter, now matter how questionable the rules, there to be followed and all that, Beerschot went down 1-0 to Standard Liege away from home.

The game wasn't without incident. A goal for starters; a clever one-two, a not so clever piece of goalkeeping , settled the affair though not before Beershot had 40 minutes against 10 men.

I've gotten to know their players a bit now and I really didn't like the team selection. The team should be set up to attack at this stage of desperation, going for goals at every avenue.

The selection had 6 dedicated defenders and 2 defensive midfield players and was lacking the most recent striking presence, Avenatti, due to his signing in the Jan window and this match having been rescheduled from before then. These guys just can't get a break. How we wish this rule was in place too for when Boro visit. Anyhow it wasn't a team selection that suggested Beerschot's heart was all out going for the win. The fact all the press mentioned they were playing the game 'with reservation's suggested they hadn't shaken off the injustice felt at a 3-0 walkover not being awarded.

By virtue of the fact Biebauw was still injured, Vanhamel retained his spot in goal. When I first saw him I thought he looked decent enough. His distribution was tidy and he made a few spectacular saves. But since Anderlecht pumped them 7-0 and he was dropped, losing the captaincy in the process, the wheels have come off. After their break when it was clear he had lost his spot he was quick to post stats on Instagram suggesting he had been performing well. If you have that in you, then I don't think you can be surprised when the captaincy gets given elsewhere.

It was a back 5, 3-5-2 overall or maybe even 3-5-1-1.

Back three was Radic, Lemos and Van den Bergh. Lemos I always feel is a bit of a bombscare even though he looks athletic and I'm surprised he's played in La Liga. You really don't see it. Radic can be dominant and is young but hopefully he doesn't have one of those contracts that sees him leave for nothing if relegated. I think PurpleRain might have mentioned Van den Bergh is part of a clique there which may need breaking up for the club to move to it's next iteration. He's ok, but they just aren't keeping clean sheets.

Out wide you had Halaïmiaand then Bourdain, who is a centre back by trade instead of de Smet, who isn't the best but at least he's a fullback and he'd started to contribute in the recent short-lived upturn in form. The best effort came from his shot from the edge of the box which the keeper pushed wide at full stretch after some nice work by Sebaoui dispossessing the defender.

Midfield had Sanusi, Pietermaat and Dom. The latter ought to be first choice right back. But you can imagine 2 DMs and a RB in midfield isn't going to be anywhere near creative enough and it wasn't. Even with 10 men when Dussenne caught Vaca, on as sub, with a stray arm, they failed to create much of significance.

Up front Shankland was more or less the one remaining fit and available striker and he was supporter by Sebaoui.

During the second half Vaca, Holzhauser, de Smet (due to a head clash Bourdain had with the keeper and got booked for) and Coulibaly all entered the fray but could not effect the outcome. Can't help but feel not having Avenatti as a presence impacted the outcome especially with 10 men.

Vaca did have a very good chance where Shankland headed a crossed pass into his path. The ball bounced a little high but he was unable to adjust and he ended up making a tame header to nowhere instead of better controlling it given he was in acres of space.

Coulibaly did hit a 30 yarder in the dying embers of the game that the keeper could only parry but was fortunate it did not fall to an attacking player. Hopefully he starts the next game so I can have a good look at him.

The Vaca miss then Coulibaly's play can be seen from about 3:25 onwards:


So 5 matches to go now, 7 adrift. A couple of matched to put dear Beerschot out of their misery. But there is still something to play for. The next game is against Royal Antwerp in the Antwerp derby on Sunday afternoon. Royal Antwerp are 3rd, 4 points off Club Brugge and 1 ahead of Anderlecht with Union Saint-Gillois almost home bad dry with a 7 point lead.

I'm sure it will be a spicy game with it being the last chance for Beerschot to salvage some pride from a wretched season.

Update to come in a few days!

I’m now thinking you’d have actually upped sticks and moved to Belgium by now if Beerschot were any good