Thanks to a 4-1 win over Charleroi, the Racing Genk leader scored an impressive 27 of 27. All four of Genk’s goals came from Paul Onuachu. The Nigerian only started scoring on Matchday 10, but is currently the top scorer in the Jupiler Pro League with 12 goals. It wasn’t all hosannas, because Bryan Heynen had to be sidelined after a tap from Kayembe.
Great discussion on Genk’s penalty against Charleroi: “I think I hit him lightly”
Just like Wouter Vrancken, interim manager Frank Defays opted for the eleven expected at Zebras. And the approach, which Charleroi had done well against Antwerp last week. However, that low block seemed to be calling doom on itself from kickoff.
Onuachu from the point
Genk’s quick ball and position changes wreaked havoc in seven minutes. As usual, the home team searched and found the opening on the right. Infiltrator Munoz did very well on 18-year-old Wasinski’s straight leg, referee Boucaut put the ball firmly on the spot. A no-brainer for the Onuachu top scorer to bring his season total to nine with a sharp bang in the middle of the goal: 1-0.
Unlike a week ago against KV Mechelen, now the great start has continued. Argentine Castro, who replaced the suspended El Khannouss behind the forwards, played his role very diligently. He moved a lot and easily and constantly changed the game so that it became more running than football for the visitors.
Photo: Isosport
Once again Trésor-Onuachu
On a rare occasion, the zebras came out of the hug. The best chance seemed to be reserved for Wasinski’s advance, but Captain Heynen’s saving contrast symbolized Genk’s willpower and desire to win.
The second goal of the evening still falls in the networks of a hopeless Koffi. The recipe is now known to all, but it is almost impossible to stop it so perfectly executed: the arrival of Onuachu hit the perfect free-kick from Trésor at the intersection of the goalposts: 2-0.
Onuachu heads for the 2-0 dive.
Photo: BELGA
Onuachu prevents unrest
After referee Boucaut decided on a second penalty against Munoz after a dubious intervention by Andreou, despite the insistence of the VAR, the hosts took their foot off the accelerator. It seemed to cost Genk just as expensive, from nowhere Heymans’ arrival headed a tight cross from Zorgane (2-1).
However, coach Wouter Vrancken didn’t have to be very nervous. Five minutes later, the double advantage had already been restored. Paul Onuachu opportunistically completed his hat-trick (3-1), much of the credit went to Paintsil’s preparatory work and tireless Heynen.
Half price beer
The Genk captain had to be sidelined moments later, injured, but the deserved ninth (!) Consecutive victory was no longer in danger. Plus: with a nice header from Carstensen’s cross, the unstoppable Paul Onuachu scores the fourth goal of the evening. With the counter at twelve, the Golden Bull will likely adorn the back of the Golden Boot as well next week.
The 4-1 also fulfilled the desire of an exuberant Cristal Arena: thanks to a victory with a three-goal advantage, after the last home match of 2022, the weekend began with half-price beer. The provisional advantage over the closest rival (?) Antwerp is already ten points with 43 out of 48. So it will be a relaxed weekend for the people of Genken, who will be able to attend Antwerp-Anderlecht and AA Gent-Club Brugge on Sunday.
Bryan Heynen is sidelined through injury. Can you already stop hoping for the World Cup?
Photo: BELGA
