Zenit run riot as Douglas Santos scores first RPL goal

Zenit St. Petersburg 4-1 FC Tambov
Saturday 22 August, Gazprom Arena

Goals: Zenit - Douglas Santos (41), Malcom (47), Aleksandr Erokhin (68), Sardar Azmoun (73); Tambov - Kirill Panchenko (85)

Man of the Match: Douglas Santos (Zenit)

Sardar Azmoun capped a dominant display from the league leaders with the last of four goals to take him clear at the top of the goalscoring charts. He rounded the keeper with effortless calm moments after substitute Aleksandr Erokhin had planted a fine back-post header into the corner.

Douglas Santos scored his first ever Zenit goal for the opener as he curled a beauty into the top corner just before the break. Two minutes into the second half Malcom reacted quickest to Azmoun’s touch to lash home the second.

Kirill Panchenko’s consolation in the closing stages couldn’t take the gloss off what was a powerful statement to the chasing pack.

Zenit remain the only side on maximum points after four games, while Tambov remain on three

Zenit St. Petersburg are away to Dynamo Moscow next on Wednesday 26 August, while FC Tambov host FC Sochi on Tuesday 25 August.