Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Elversberg: Talking points as Nmecha double guides BVB past spirited visitors
Borussia Dortmund beat SV Elverberg 2-1 in the Bundesliga on Saturday, courtesy of a second-half brace from Felix Nmecha. Noel Futkeu pulled one back for the promoted side in the 81st minute, the BVB held out the remainder of the match to seal all three points and remain on the coattails of leaders Bayern Munich, who are ahead of their Der Klassiker rivals only on goal-difference.
Here are the talking points from the match:
1) Felix Nmecha packs a punch
Borussia Dortmund were playing without Serhou Guirassy for the first time in the Bundesliga this season. His absence was felt in a tense opening half where the BVB was lacking in a mobile forward who could run in between spaces and connect with crosses. But Felix Nmecha took the talismanic mantle upon himself after the break to score twice and won it for them.
In the 55th minute, he broke the deadlock by rounding off a wonderful team move, started deep within their own half by Jobe Bellihgham which culimated with Fabio Silva teeing up Nmecha inside the box to produce the finish. The second one was more direct, Nmecha coming into possession just outside the box and whipping in a fine strike for 2-0. Four league goals for the season already.
2) Late concessions remain a problem for Dortmund
SV Elversberg went down fighting, but managed to rattle their mighty hosts with their fight. The promoted side, playing in their maiden Bundesliga campaign, pulled one back in the 81st minute to set up squeaky bum time at the Signal Iduna Park as Dortmund failed to close the game out once more.
Part of the blame also lies with Niko Kovac's strange decision to switch to a back-five when the scoreline was still only 1-0. Nmecha's moment of magic produced a second goal but Dortmund were otherwise passive going forward. Elverbserg capitalized on that with a late goal through Noel Futkeu.
3) Dortmund's midfield masterclass
All the flaws aside, Borussia Dortmund's midfield was spctacular on the day. We already discussed how colossal Felix Nmecha was on the night with his sensational brace, but he was also crucial in nipping Elverberg's transitions in the but. Jobe Bellingham put in a tireless performance too, running his socks off to get the ball forward and while Joey Veerman was the controller.
His long ball out for Fabio Silva in the build-up to Dortmund's opening goal was a good example. The Dutchman laid seven crosses on the night and completed 94% of his passes, while him and Bellingham combined, created five chances on the night.
