The TNT Sports commentator informed me tonight that Borussia Dortmund have gone 13 years without a goalless draw in the Champions League. That’s some record, and they kept it up tonight with a 2-1 win when they headed east to face Sabah FK in Azerbaijan. After rough performances (and results) against Bodø/Glimt and Union Berlin, BVB looked much better tonight, even though the scoreline makes the game look pretty tight.
Niko Kovač opted for a 3-5-2, with Fabio Silva partnering Serhou Guirassy up top,
and Carney Chukwuemeka forming the peak of a midfield three behind them, and in return Dortmund’s offense looked a lot more fluid, with Dortmund putting up 3.72 xG to Sabah’s 1.47. A goal in each half from Serhou Guirassy was enough to see off Sabah, but in reality Dortmund easily could have had more.
It wasn’t a perfect performance. BVB’s forwards (outside of Guirassy) could have been a little more clinical, and Sabah’s goal came from a ten-minute stretch where the entire team seemed to switch off and allowed the majority of Sabah’s best chances (including the goal) just before half time. But after some concerning, flat performances over the last week or so, this was a big improvement.
Here are your nominations for Man of the Match in Dortmund’s 2-1 win against Sabah:
Carney Chukwuemeka
This was Carney Chukwuemeka’s first start so far this season, and he made the most of the opportunity. He was lively from the off, creating five chances and racking up a total of 0.76 expected assists (xA). Hopefully Carney can stay fit and contribute this season, because the talent is obvious.
Joey Veerman
I have been pretty critical of Joey Veerman since he joined this summer. I think he has generally looked off the pace and like he needs more time to adapt to BVB and the Bundesliga. He showed what he can potentially offer in a Dortmund shirt tonight though. Everything was running through Veerman. He had more touches (69) and made more passes (69/79, 87% completion) than anyone else, and he created three chances and picked up an assist for his troubles. I think we still need to be patient with Veerman, but this game shows what he is capable of if given time.
Felix Nmecha
Felix Nmecha contributed the exact same xA as Carney Chukwuemeka: 0.76. That is rare enough, especially when the xA is so high, that I felt the need to check several times to make sure I hadn’t misread or that hadn’t been some sort of error in the match data. Two players contributing 0.76 xA is very good, and Nmecha also contributed plenty else all over the pitch, including 0.2 xG. He easily could have come away from this game with more to show for his efforts.
Serhou Guirassy
Serhou Guirassy did exactly what a striker is supposed to do. Dortmund’s #9 bagged two goals and made sure BVB came away from the game with all three points. I have had some minor concerns about Guirassy’s performances so far this season, but he showed tonight that when he is well fed he will do his job. He was a constant threat in Sabah’s penalty area, with eight touches in their box and eight shots, all for 1.95 xG and two vital goals.
Your Thoughts?
Who was your standout in this evening’s win in Azerbaijan? Let us know in the comments.
