Key Talking Points from Borussia Dortmund’s 2-0 win over Arminia Bielefeld

Hummels puts in an offensive masterclass alongside defensive duties

Since coming back to Borussia Dortmund, Mats Hummels has been a defensive rock in the back-line, often putting in the sort of performances that have seen him become known as one of the world’s best over the course of his career. The Dortmund back-line has only let in two goals in the league this season, and Hummels has played a very important role in keeping those numbers down, organizing the backline for Die Schwarzgelben.

This game was no different, with the veteran defender playing a critical role in the eventual clean sheet, Borussia Dortmund’s fifth of the season so far. The number of clean sheets is a feat in and of itself for Dortmund considering the ebb and flow of defensive woes in past seasons, and Hummels has been a significant force in shoring up the back-line.

With the absence of Erling Haaland in this match, however, Dortmund would need to look for inspiration elsewhere. I don’t think most fans thought the goals would come from Hummels, however. Both goals were an ode to Hummels’ vast experience and perceptive positioning, the first coming in the 52nd minute from a corner delivered by Jadon Sancho. The second was a powerful header that connected with a well weighted Marco Reus cross. Hummels has now scored three goals in two league games, and it would seem the derby goal he so coveted has given him the confidence to grab a couple more.

What strikes me about this procession of goals is that it is now becoming much more common for Dortmund to score from set pieces, a part of their game that has been sorely lacking in recent seasons. The potency that the likes of Akanji, Can, and now Hummels have shown bodes well for Dortmund as it is a dynamic of their game that adds an extra dimension of threat for potential opponents to think about. While Hummels did limp off the pitch close to the end of the game due to injury, hopefully he will be back in the squad before long, giving Dortmund a strong presence on both ends of the pitch.