KAA Gent extended their perfect start to the season with a fourth consecutive victory, beating OH Leuven 1-0. Tiago Araújo decided the match at the Planet Group Arena shortly after half-time, as reported by Voetbalfocus.
The home side dominated possession on Tuesday but couldn't find a breakthrough before the break. Attacks from Kyrell Wilson and Momodou Sonko created some danger but no goals. OH Leuven barely crossed the halfway line, though a Wouter George effort sailed just over. Gent patiently probed a compact Leuven defence.
How did Gent break the deadlock?
The breakthrough came almost immediately after the restart. An attack down the right ended with Sonko finding Tiago Araújo, who fired the ball home hard. That early second-half goal gave Gent the control they were looking for. With the lead secured, Hein Vanhaezebrouck's team could manage the game more effectively.
OH Leuven were forced to push forward and created more chances as a result. Goalkeeper Davy Roef had to be alert to a surprise header and later William Balikwisha tried his luck from distance. Gent came under pressure but the defence, anchored by Sven Kums, held firm. The standings show Gent now lead the table alone with twelve points.
Why was no penalty given to OH Leuven?
In the final minutes, the visitors loudly appealed for a penalty. Tibe De Vlieger went down in the Gent box while reaching for a cross, but referee Michiel Allaerts waved away the claims. The VAR also saw no reason to intervene. That decision ended the hopes of a point for an OH Leuven side that remains without a point after four matchdays.
What does this win mean for the season's start?
With this fourth straight win, KAA Gent have made their best start to a season in years. The team sits perfectly atop the Jupiler Pro League. Players like last season's top scorer Hugo Cuypers and young talent Momodou Sonko provide the necessary attacking depth. The coming weeks are important, with an away match against Standard Liège on the schedule. Fans can check the full fixtures for the overview.
Gent's next assignment is a visit to Standard Liège on Saturday, September 12. That lineup will be confirmed in the official squad announcement later this week.
