Schalke 0-4 Borussia Dortmund: Talking points from dominant Revierderby win

Defensive wobbles continue despite clean sheet

While they managed to keep a clean sheet against their Ruhr rivals, it wouldn’t be a Borussia Dortmund game if there weren’t a few minor defensive wobbles. Manuel Akanji was missing through injury, which meant that Emre Can was asked to slot in next to Mats Hummels.

In the flurry of chances that came Schalke’s way early in the second half, Can was able to put in a strong challenge or two to great affect, keeping the opposition at bay. He was also involved in a few forays forward as he often is, setting up a dangerous opportunity in the early minutes of the match.

While Can, who is more of a midfielder, filled in for Akanji just fine, the drop into tempo with which Dortmund started the second half seemed to take away some of the concentration from the likes of Hummels, Morey and co. Hummels in particular seemed to be caught napping in the 52nd minute when he fumbled a back-pass in the box. It allowed for a very dangerous chance for Schalke striker Matthew Hoppe, but luckily Marwin Hitz was able to parry the shot way. Going into the next games, it would be my hope that the intensity and concentration shown in the first half will not falter, as sides like Gladbach, Bayern and Sevilla would likely take an opportunity such as that to hurt Dortmund.

In some ways, these mental lapses could be due to player fatigue – both Akanji and Hummels, when fit, have not been rotated as they are the only natural centre back pairing at Dortmund, with Dan Axel Zagadou suffering from a long term injury. There are hopes surrounding a potential return for the Frenchman while Akanji recovers from his injury. This will provide welcome respite for the likes of Hummels and Can.

Final thoughts

Looking ahead towards Borussia Dortmund’s upcoming fixtures, it is safe to say that Die Schwarzgelben have chosen a good time to turn their form around. A win in what is likely the last derby for some time must be an immense confidence boost, but more importantly, it is a vital result for their prospects of finishing in the top four. Every point is now crucial, and with Dortmund set to face Arminia Bielefeld next weekend, it is important that they stay focused and continue to play with the same intensity.

While Bielefeld sit third from bottom in the table, they were able to play out a 3-3 draw with Bayern not long ago, which means Dortmund will have to be watchful as they have similar weaknesses to the Bavarians that Bielefeld may look to exploit. With a full week between games however, the team should be primed and ready to continue their push for the top four places.