Thomas Tuchel's Dortmund Beat Hannover Unlike Jurgen Klopp's Side Ever Could

Something quite interesting happened to Borussia Dortmund this weekend.

No, it wasn’t their commendable spirit in the face of a Marco Reus-less game, nor was it their ability to win an away match so early in the season. No, it was the manner in which they came from a goal down to win Saturday’s match.

If you were unfortunate enough to miss an intriguing contest on the Niedersachsenstadion field, it’s worth noting that Dortmund not only came from behind but also grabbed a lead twice in the day after Hannover equalised in the second half.

Intriguingly enough, this may all seem like no more than splitting hairs after an impressive away match, but for many Dortmund fans this was a game that clearly showed how Thomas Tuchel’s side dealt with a situation after it didn’t go according to plan.

Indeed, much of Jurgen Klopp’s problems last season came from the fact that opposing sides often scored before Dortmund even knew what was going on. How could a side compete in the Bundesliga if they couldn’t handle the blitz that hit their defence during the first 20 minutes of every game? Alas, Dortmund under Klopp crumbled more often than not and paid the price for it in the league table.

Tuchel has of course changed much of Dortmund’s setup since he arrived at the club over the summer. The fitness regimes have increased, the deadpan substitutes have been sold and the only players left are athletes who undoubtedly follow the new manager’s every word.

Like most managerial changes that take off in a step in the right direction, Tuchel’s black-and-yellow side have turned over with a quick, effective attacking lineup of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Shinji Kagawa, Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The latter two may be well-known stars of this side, but the form shown of the former two is enough to suggest that something has changed under the new coach.

Alas, it was the Gabonese striker who scored Dortmund’s opening goal on Saturday before Mkhitaryan thumped home a second from the edge of the box. Although most fans will no doubt appreciate the skill involved in the Armenian’s shot, most Dortmund fans will simply be elated at the attacking midfielder’s continued form. Even without Reus.

Even after Artur Sobiech’s second goal quickly after half-time, there was no doubt in the mind of the Dortmund or neutral fans that Tuchel’s side wouldn’t at least challenge Hannover for the remainder of the game and do their best to win the match.

This was perhaps most notable when defensive midfielder Julian Weigl came off for playmaker Gonzalo Castro in the 66th minute. Sure, Dortmund had their attacking line, but this tactical decision essentially stated that the entire midfield would move forward and held in securing a third goal.

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Fortunately for Tuchel’s side, a third goal came in the form of an own goal from Felipe, before another penalty allowed Aubameyang to make it 4-2 to Dortmund. The former German champions would ultimately win but not without a struggle.

Ultimately this game proved to be a comfortable win for Dortmund’s squad, but it was undoubtedly a testing affair for their manager. Where Klopp had failed so many times, Tuchel picked the right players and tactics to ultimately win.

Three points and 12 from 12 are Dortmund’s for now, following a tricky afternoon of football that Tuchel weaved through rather well.