Podcast discusses Gent as 'Union light' after perfect start to season

The Tijd voor Voetbal podcast discussed KAA Gent's perfect start to the season, questioning if the club is becoming a 'Union light' while underlying statistics tell a different story.

KAA Gent has been described as a potential 'Union light' in a football podcast following their perfect start to the season. The topic was discussed in the sixth episode of the new season of Tijd voor Voetbal.

Podcast participant Glenn Schrader shared his view on Gent's performances. He said he had the feeling that Gent is becoming a bit of a Union light this season. The club did win its first five league matches of the season, taking the maximum fifteen points.

Statistical picture

The results are excellent, but the statistics tell a different story. Gent's expected goals (xG) this season stands at 6.1. This means only five other teams in the Jupiler Pro League have a lower xG. The numbers suggest efficiency in front of goal has been high. Fellow podcast guest Michiel Vercauteren responded to the discussion about playing style. "The beauty of football is that it can work in all kinds of ways," Vercauteren explained.

Current standing

Gent currently sits second in the Jupiler Pro League with 16 points from six games. Manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck's side remains unbeaten this campaign. Recent form is solid with four wins and a draw in the last five matches. The latest result was a 1-1 draw away at KRC Genk on September 13, where Momodou Sonko opened the scoring early.

The team has scored eleven goals and conceded just three, for a goal difference of +8. The next assignment is a home match against Standard Liege on September 18. Standard currently sits in sixth place. The last meeting between the two clubs, in January, ended in a 0-4 victory for Gent. Fans can check the full fixtures list and the current standings.

The signing Christian Burgess has joined the squad this season. The defender was part of the team that won 0-3 at Cercle Brugge on September 6. In that match, goals came from an own goal, a penalty by Tuur De Vlieger, and a late strike by Ebrima H. Seck. The coming weeks will show if Gent can maintain its efficient form. The match against Standard Liege is the next test. The next fixture is a home match against Standard Liege on September 18.