5 Talking Points from Matchweek 17 of the Bundesliga
The Bundesliga Hinrunde has ended and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Across nine fixtures, viewers were spoilt with 36 goals with the pick of the ties featuring Hannover, who were involved in a 4-4 game against Bayer Leverkusen.
Thomas Muller scored just his second Bundesliga goal of the season as Bayern Munich once again find themselves sitting top of the Bundesliga at the winter break while Cologne – who qualified for the Europa League – earned their first three points of the season in what will be a long battle against relegation.
With that, here's a look at the 5 talking points from week 17 in the Bundesliga:
#5 Borussia Dortmund back to winning ways
Peter Stoger made it two wins from two as the Borussia Dortmund head coach as they picked up three points against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Saturday evening thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Christian Pulisic.
The former Cologne manager went back to basics in terms of tactics after being appointed Dortmund coach. Taking over from Peter Bosz who played a number of players out of position, Stoger opted for a 4-3-3 with players in their favoured positions.
Mark Uth had given Hoffenheim an underserving lead but the way Borussia Dortmund fought back after their recent run of form has to be commended.
Yet again linked with a move away from Dortmund, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalised from the spot before Pulisic – who recently won the US Men’s Player of the Year Award – showed great composure to dink the ball over the on-rushing Oliver Baumann.
Speaking on Sunday morning, BVB sporting director Michael Zorc revealed the first thing he saw following the game was a congratulations message from their former employee and head coach, Peter Bosz. He also stated that Dortmund will eventually lose Aubameyang but for the time being, their plans most certainly involved him.
Hoffenheim will certainly feel hard done by the result but with just three wins in 11 Bundesliga fixture, Julian Nagelsmann will be starting to feel the pressure, despite the Sinsheim club lurking just outside the Europa League places.