Jonathan Burkardt double ends Eintracht Frankfurt's home slump against struggling St. Pauli
Jonathan Burkardt scored both goals as Eintracht Frankfurt defeated St. Pauli 2-0 on Matchday 8, ending a run of three straight losses at Deutsche Bank Park in the process.
Goals: 1-0 Burkardt 36’, 2-0 Burkardt 56’ (assist: Chaïbi)
Both teams entered this match looking to reverse their recent fortunes. Frankfurt had been beaten 5-1 by Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, while Pauli arrived on a run of four consecutive league defeats, having not scored outside of Hamburg this season.
Dino Toppmöller made four changes to his Frankfurt side, with Burkardt, Farès Chaïbi, Ellyes Skhiri and Can Uzun coming into the starting line-up. Alexander Blessin also reshuffled his St. Pauli team with four alterations, including Karol Mets making his first start in almost a year.
The visitors thought they had taken a surprise lead in the fourth minute when Martijn Kaars lobbed Michael Zetterer, but the striker was correctly flagged offside. The first half was largely uneventful thereafter, with neither side creating clear opportunities.
Uzun then had a couple of efforts blocked as Frankfurt gradually took control of proceedings. The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute when Nikola Vasilj fumbled Uzun's cross, allowing Burkardt to head home from close range.
Burkardt at the double
Frankfurt began the second half with renewed purpose, with Nathaniel Brown forcing a fine save from Vasilj. Their dominance was rewarded in the 56th minute when Chaïbi played a superb diagonal ball to Burkardt, who controlled with his chest before deftly lobbing the onrushing Vasilj for his second goal.
St. Pauli responded by making a double substitution, introducing Connor Metcalfe and Oladapo Afolayan, and showed more attacking intent. Their best chance came when Afolayan's shot was saved by Zetterer and Metcalfe fired the rebound over the bar.
Frankfurt managed the remainder of the match comfortably, preserving their clean sheet to secure all three points.
Man of the Match: Jonathan Burkardt
Burkardt delivered a match-winning performance for Frankfurt, scoring both goals to secure victory.
His opener may have come courtesy of Vasilj's error, but he showed excellent anticipation to capitalise. His second goal demonstrated his technical quality, controlling Chaïbi's pass on his chest before executing a perfect lob over the advancing goalkeeper.
Beyond his goals, Burkardt worked tirelessly for his team, linking play effectively and pressing from the front.
The striker, who now has six Bundesliga goals this season, was deservedly named Player of the Match with 80 percent of the votes.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Frankfurt 2.23 - St. Pauli 0.8
Fastest player: Ansgar Knauff (Frankfurt), 34.67 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Jonathan Burkardt (Frankfurt), 75 percent
Most pressed player: Danel Sinani (St. Pauli), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Ritsu Dōan (Frankfurt), +2.62
Fantasy Heroes: Jonathan Burkardt (Frankfurt, 384 Points), Rasmus Kristensen (Frankfurt, 240 Points), Farès Chaïbi (Frankfurt, 216 Points)
Related news
Vote for October's Goal of the Month!
Three Bayern players, two Saïd El Mala efforts and more feature among the blockbuster list of contenders for October's Goal of the Month vote.
Burkardt 'repaying the faith' at Frankfurt
The October Player of the Month winner sat down with the Bundesliga to discuss his brilliant season so far and upcoming reunion with Mainz...
Burkardt named Player of the Month!
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker enjoyed a stellar month in front of goal to take your votes for October.