Player Ratings: Borussia Dortmund earn hard fought win against Mainz

Borussia Dortmund were made to work hard, but finally got their first league win since September to give new head coach Peter Stoger a perfect start to his tenure.

Sokratis Papastopholous and Shinji Kagawa scored in the second half for Borussia Dortmund as they won 2-0. Roman Burki also kept his first clean sheet in the league since September 23 as a disciplined performance made sure BVB did not concede.

Here are the player ratings for Borussia Dortmund players from their win against Mainz.

Roman Burki (6/10)

A relatively easy outing for Roman Burki, who hardly had anything to do against Mainz. He was beaten once, early in the first half. But Mainz’ poor shooting meant that the Swiss goalkeeper was largely untroubled. Finally got his clean sheet too.

Jeremy Toljan (6/10)

An impressive performance by Toljan, who linked up well with his teammates and was a constant threat down the right flank. Defended strongly and was a massive upgrade on Marc Bartra, who played there for the last month.

Sokratis Papastopholous (7/10)

A strong display by Sokratis, who defended expertly for 90 minutes. Scored a huge goal to give Borussia Dortmund the lead in the second half with a brilliant volley after Toprak’s effort hit the post. He will have a crucial role to play in Stoger’s more pragmatic approach.

Omer Toprak (6/10)

After a series of lackluster displays under Peter Bosz, Toprak put in a decent performance against Mainz. Hit the post as well, before Sokratis scored.

Marcel Schmelzer (7/10)

The Borussia Dortmund captain has looked like a different player in the last few weeks. And Schmelzer impressed once again last night. Was a constant menace down the left hand side and defended with great discipline.

Julian Weigl (8/10)

The 22-year old looked to be back to his very best after some disappointing months under Peter Bosz. Weigl was playing in his natural defensive midfield position and creating some good chances for his teammates. Should have had an assist in the first half after his superb through ball found Aubameyang, but the latter shot wide.

Raphael Guerreiro (6/10)

Was more intent on going forward than defending and had a few decent opportunities to score as well. Guerreiro was denied by a good low save from the Mainz goalkeeper in the first half. But he probably should have done better with his second half effort.

MAINZ, GERMANY – DECEMBER 12: Shinji Kagawa /

Shinji Kagawa (7/10)

Scored a crucial late goal on the counter attack late on to secure the three points for Borussia Dortmund. But he should have scored earlier, when he had a fantastic chance but his shot went straight at the keeper. His stunning free-kick delivery helped Dortmund take the lead.

Christian Pulisic (5/10)

A disappointing performance by the American international, who has failed to deliver since his superb display against Bayern. Nothing came off for Pulisic tonight. And Dortmund fans will be hoping that he can get back to his best soon. Was subbed off for Mahmoud Dahoud in the 70th minute.

Andrey Yarmolenko (6/10)

Once again Yarmolenko had some moments of brilliance, but was also frustrating at times. Got better as the game went on and was a constant menace on the counter attack.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (6/10)

A poor performance by Aubameyang, who missed some good chances and made a few poor decisions on the counter attack. Did make up for it with a fine assist for Shinji Kagawa to make it 2-0 and seal Borussia Dortmund’s first win in what felt like an eternity.

Substitutes

Mahmoud Dahoud (5/10)

Was guilty of wasting two counter attacking chances late on after he replaced Pulisic in the 70th minute.

Nuri Sahin (N/R)

Came on in stoppage time with Dortmund already 2-0 up.

Peter Stoger (7/10)

The new Dortmund manager set his side to be disciplined and conservative. He started all the players in their favored positions, using a 4-2-3-1 formation, and many benefited, especially Julian Weigl. More importantly, he ended Dortmund’s winless run on his debut. A huge result for the Black and Yellows.

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