Match report: Vienna vs London
By: Conner Munist
This was the most important game of the Matchday. London, despite being out of the title race, were as motivated as ever to stop Vienna’s title run. Vienna started with the usual 4-3-3, London with the usual narrow formation, however had Ray Peest on the right wing.
Vienna pushed for a goal straight from the whistle, and it wasn’t long before the opening goal came, with Bendtner scoring in the 5th minute. Bendtner receives the ball on the edge of the box then he somehow man handles Johnson of the ball with Tolvani comically ball watching not helping his teammate. With no one wanting to clear the ball, Bendtner finds himself with an easy shot on goal, which he of course tucks away.
However, it wasn't long before London responded, Peest sends in a beautiful ball in which sends the goalkeeper in shock and Tomar finishes it acrobatically to make it 1-1.
On A Matchday full of goals, it wasn’t a surprise when Vienna responded straight away. Rahman sends a cross into Hoffmann, who heads the ball on target weakly, somehow creeping into the back of the net. A clear Pierre Toilet mistake meant it was another comical goal for London to concede. It was mainly Vienna pushing for another before the Halftime whistle blew.
London changed set up second half and went 4-2-2-2 narrow, also taking off the left back who shouldn’t have even been starting in the first place, for the left back Prince Jr..
Eventually, in the 73rd minute, Keetch was caught sleeping and loses the ball setting London on a dangerous counter. Peest with a beautiful through ball for Amine Amzal who rifles it into the top corner for the equaliser.
However, only a few minutes later, Jaxon picks up a loose ball and sets up Hoffmann for his second goal of the day, which looked to be the important winner.
Vienna still celebrating, we’re caught sleeping after Tolvani redeems himself for his mistake with a precise lofted ball into Tomar who slices it perfectly into the top right corner for the third London equaliser of the day. London were not going to lie down and even pushed for the winner, but it was going to cost them with Caceres giving the ball away in the last minute, sending Hoffmann 1v1. He then ruins the chance with a heavy touch and great goalkeeping by Toilét, redeeming himself for his mistake too.
The game ended 3-3, a draw was not a bad result for either, especially with Zagreb slipping up, Vienna are still feeling confident about their league run.
Man of the match
Ray Peest, with the two assists, can not be ignored. A masterclass
Flop of the match
Bradley Keetch, at fault for the second equaliser and offered nothing up front. A rare Keetch poor performance which, hopefully for Vienna, is a one-off.
