Hà Nội T&T closed the gap on leaders Thanh Hóa after hitting six past Đồng Tâm Long An,in the weekends early game. Hà Nội travelled south to Long An province, in confident mood, after beating second placed Quảng Ninh last week, and buoyed by the luxury of having a near fully fit squad to choose from.
This meant Gallagher returned to central defence and Samson & Gonzalo lined up in attack, supported by the South East Asian player of the week (goal.com), Văn Quyết, Hector and Thanh Luong.
The home side belittled there low league standing and impressed throughout the first half, coming closest when Tai Em beat Hong Son from close range but saw his effort come back off the underside of the bar.
photo:Ha Noi FC FB
Hà Nội, once again, proved to be a very strong second half side, breaking the deadlock when Samson slotted home a Văn Quyết cross just 3 minutes after the restart. However, the early season relegation contenders pressed on, carving out more chances and after hitting the bar had a goal ruled offside.
The T&T attackers then ruthlessly stepped up a gear, scoring 3 goals in just 14 minutes. Gonzalo showed great strength to turn his marker inside the box and hit a low shot beyond Quoc Cuong, before grabbing his second just 2 minutes later, with a looping far post header, from a Văn Quyết cross.
Samson then made it 4-0 after being sent through by Văn Quyết and easily rounding the keeper. As they continued to show passion and endeavor against their more illustrious opponents, 4-0 seemed a little harsh on the home side. They were finally rewarded when Laerte headed home a corner with 4 minutes remaining.
Man of the Match, Văn Quyết, completed a fine individual performance with a looping overhead kick, sneaking in off the post, to go with his hat trick of assists for the match.
photo: Ha Noi FC facebook page
There was still time for Samson to complete his hat trick, when he tapped home from close range deep in to injury time. 6-1, flattering perhaps. Long An had performed well, but this was a superb, ruthless, attacking display by the league champions and a sign to their rivals they’re serious about regaining the title.
Đồng Tâm Long An 1 v 6 Hà Nội T&T
Samson 48′, 81′, 90+4′
Laerte 85′ Gonzalo 67′, 70′
Att. 2,000 Văn Quyết 90+2′
Vietnam Football 