Hannover vs. Borussia Dortmund: Winners and Losers from Bundesliga Game
In a game that may have tripped Borussia Dortmund up last season, Thomas Tuchel's new-look side made sure they left the Niedersachsenstadion with all three points intact.
It was a match that confirmed Tuchel's credentials as the right man for the job. With 12 points from 12 so far in the Bundesliga the new manager has done better than any other before him in the club's history.
Yet, that's not to say it was a comfortable afternoon for the Black and Yellows.
Dortmund had to initially come from behind following an opening goal from Artur Sobiech in the 18th minute and then again in the second half when the Polish striker stepped up to equalise for his side in the 53rd minute.
Yet, it was ultimately a game that the travelling side were desperate to win. Finishing the match with a clear two-goal margin.
Here are the winners and losers from Saturday's match.
Winner: Artur Sobiech
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If one moment truly stunned the travelling Dortmund fans on Saturday afternoon it was in the 18th minute, when Artur Sobiech latched on to a Hannover counter attack and opened the scoring for the hosts.
Although the goal and Hannover's lead would only constitute about 17 minutes of domination for the home side, the Polish striker will undoubtedly walk away from Saturday's clash happy with the fact that he managed to grab a goal.
To further elation, Sobiech then doubled his and Hannover's goal tally just after half-time with a goal that brought the home side straight back into the game.
As well as an unfortunate injury to his knee, which kept him out of action for much of the second half of last season, Sobiech hadn't scored a league goal since February 7 before today. And now he has two.
It's a welcome return for a player who's had an unfortunate 2015 so far.
Loser: Felipe
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Dortmund were able to grab an equaliser in the 35th minute of Saturday's game when Jonas Hofmann was knocked down in the Hannover box by central defender Felipe.
Yet, unfortunately for the Hannover defender, Felipe didn't actually knock the Dortmund player over and was penalised for what was an exceptionally weak call from the referee.
Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stepped up and took the corresponding penalty without a moment's hesitation, but in truth it was a moment of luck for Dortmund. And a poor call on the central defender.
As if things couldn't get worse for the Brazilian, he once again helped Dortmund's cause by knocking in an own goal in the 67th minute to again put Tuchel's side in the lead.
It was a bad day at the office for the central defender.
Winner: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
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Without Marco Reus in attack, there was no doubt that Dortmund's chances in Saturday's clash with Hannover were going to revolve around just what Henrikh Mkhitaryan could do in his stead.
The Armenia international has been in fantastic form this season under his new manager, and Saturday was yet another game that did little but showcase his talent and importance to the side.
Although Mkhitaryan may have had a rather quiet afternoon up until the goal, the strike he connected with—via the cutback from Matthias Ginter—on the stroke of half-time was one that will live long in the memories of Dortmund's travelling support.
The goal makes it nine in 10 games for Mkhitaryan this season. Add to that seven assists, according to Transfermarkt, and it's not hard to see why Dortmund fans are so ecstatic about the attacking midfielder at the moment.
Loser: Hannover's League Position
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Although Hannover would have surely thanked their lucky stars if they could have taken anything from this game, there's no denying that fans of the Reds will be worried about their league position after giving up all three points against Dortmund.
After four league games, Michael Frontzeck's side now sit with just one point and, most worryingly, 16th in the Bundesliga table.
A relegation battle looks set to consume Hannover's campaign this season, and following defeat to Dortmund on Saturday, it may be one that they will truly struggle with.
Winner: Matthias Ginter
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Let's say, just for the sake of conversation, that Matthias Ginter never returned to his former role as a central defender. Let's just imagine that the former Freiburg star just remained a right-back for Dortmund under Tuchel this season.
It may seem odd, but that's exactly how things are looking these days for the young defender. After another solid performance against Hannover, as well as an assist for his side's third goal, Ginter is very quickly establishing himself as a genuine option on the right flank.
Long gone are the days of Ginter struggling in the middle of the park for Dortmund. It seems, for now, the young Germany international has found a new position and a whole new sense of purpose under the new manager.
