Erling Haaland scored another brace as Borussia Dortmund secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Mainz on Saturday.
Borussia Dortmund moved on top of the Bundesliga table with a comfortable 3-1 victory over 1.FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday. The win helps them maintain their hundred percent record at home this season, with Marco Rose becoming the first-ever Dortmund coach to win all of his first five matches at home.
It was a fairly comfortable game for the Black and Yellows, who were looking unstoppable during the first ten minutes of the proceedings. An early goal from Marco Reus saw them dictate play and threaten to find another in quick succession. Mainz do deserve credit for maintaining their solidity and preventing the opposition to walk over them, as they managed to head into halftime trailing just 1-0.
Bo Svensson’s method of remaining in the contest paid off, as Borussia Dortmund looked sloppy after the restart. They were unable to find too many goalscoring opportunities, but Mainz themselves couldn’t create too many chances of their own.
Their lack of offensive output cost them dearly as Erling Haaland double BVB’s lead in the 54th minute. Mainz did fight back with a late goal from Jonathan Burkardt but it only proved to be a consolation as Haaland doubled his own tally during the injury time, sealing all three points for his side.
5 – Marco Rose became the first Borussia Dortmund manager to win each of his first five home games. Fortress. #BVBM05 pic.twitter.com/HqW7Fg5c4W
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) October 16, 2021
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will rank the Borussia Dortmund players in their comfortable victory over Mainz this weekend.
Gregor Kobel: 6.5/10
Gregor Kobel didn’t put a foot wrong all game, remaining alert even though Mainz didn’t offer much threat going forward. He even made a crucial save to deny Karim Onisiwo in the second half, but ended up making a silly error that led to Burkardt’s late goal, thus devoiding himself of his first Bundesliga clean sheet with Dortmund.
Thomas Meunier: 7.5/10
Thomas Meunier overcame his injury to start at right-back for BVB. It was a massive boost for the home side, as the Belgian bombarded the Mainz flank with his exceptional crosses and impressive link up play in the final third. The former PSG star is evidently improving under the leadership of Marco Rose.
Manuel Akanji: 8/10
Manuel Akanji produced a monstrous performance at the heart of the four-man backline. He showcased his pace against Onisiwo, even making one exceptional recovery tackle to prevent the opposition from scoring a goal. Unfortunately, a defensive error from Kobel saw him miss out on the deserved clean sheet.
akanji is one of the best defenders in the world for months now, nothing can change my mind anymore ?? pic.twitter.com/7buZr74LNk
— Joey ? (@trannelrekolg) October 16, 2021
Mats Hummels: 7.5/10
Mats Hummels was a solid presence in the Dortmund backline. His ability to read the game helped Dortmund keep Mainz at bay for the most part. The veteran centre-back was close to finding the back of the net as well, but his effort hit the post, before he eventually made way for Marin Pongracic around the midway point of the second half.
Nico Schulz: 6/10
Nico Schulz was filling in for the injured Raphael Guerreiro at left-back. Unfortunately for him and Dortmund, the former Hoffenheim star could never really provide the same quality, be it build-up or crosses. He was often clumsy with his first touches and did not trouble the Mainz defence too much.
Julian Brandt: 7/10
Julian Brandt made a good impression in the middle of the park. He wasn’t particularly consistent with his first-touches, as ever, but the former Leverkusen man worked hard to get himself in useful areas and navigate around the opposition press.
Emre Can: 7/10
Emre Can was given the nod ahead of Axel Witsel in the holding midfield role. The former Bayern Munich starlet didn’t disappoint either, producing a powerful display that saw him dominate the opposition with his physique and aggression. He offered much more mobility as well, which is something Rose should take into account for future matches.
Jude Bellingham: 7.5/10
Jude Bellingham was impressive as ever, expertly operating in half-spaces or in central areas to help Dortmund play through the Mainz press. The young Englishman fought for every ball, making his presence felt in the middle of the park while most notably registering an assist for Haaland’s second goal. A truly gifted talent.
Haaland gets a brace on his return for Borussia Dortmund ⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/EzgNwHHUdX
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 16, 2021
Marco Reus: 8/10
Marco Reus started the party early for Dortmund with a well-taken goal in the third minute. Other than the goal, the German international was vital in BVB’s chance creation, as he often positioned himself in key areas and took on the opposing defenders whenever it was necessary. He was also the bridge between the midfield and attack, as the veteran continues his impressive form under Rose.
Erling Haaland: 8.5/10
Erling Haaland didn’t particularly have a great game, as far as his overall involvement is concerned. But the sheer pace and the strength he offered in the final third was left unmatched by Mainz, as they struggled to deal with the Norwegian’s presence inside the box.
Haaland opened his scoring by converting a penalty around the hour mark, before capitalising on a well-created opportunity from Bellingham to secure the second goal. His Bundesliga tally now stands at 49 goals in 49 matches, while his brace also helped him extend his Dortmund tally to 70 goals in 68 matches.
Erling Haaland cannot be stopped ?
9️⃣ Games
1️⃣2️⃣ Goals
4️⃣ Assists pic.twitter.com/pgPPZgF6Ks— Goal (@goal) October 16, 2021
Donyell Malen: 6/10
Donyell Malen was the least impressive attacker for Borussia Dortmund this evening. The Dutchman couldn’t make much of an impact and often himself isolated out wide. The lack of support from Schulz didn’t help either, as he made way for Hazard midway through the second half.
SUBSTITUTES
Marin Pongracic: 6.5/10
Marin Pongracic looked solid after coming on for Hummels. However, a lapse in concentration saw him offer a lot of space for Burkardt for Mainz’s late goal.
Thorgan Hazard: 6/10
Thorgan Hazard didn’t offer much to the table after coming on for Malen in the 67th minute. The Belgian coudln’t breach the opposition defence, though his link-up play was decent.
Marius Wolf: N/A
A late replacement for Brandt. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Axel Witsel: N/A
A late replacement for Can. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Reinier: N/A
A late replacement for Reus. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
