Nikolas Nartey strikes late as VfB Stuttgart edge Eintracht Frankfurt in five-goal thriller
Substitute Nikolas Nartey scored an 87th-minute winner as VfB Stuttgart recovered from an early setback to win a pulsating encounter against top-six rivals Eintracht Frankfurt.
VfB Stuttgart 3-2 Eintracht FrankfurtGoals: 0-1 Kristensen 5' (assist: Dōan), 1-1 Demirović 27', 2-1 Undav 35' (assist: Vagnoman), 2-2 Amaimouni-Echghouyab 80' (assist: Dahoud), 3-2 Nartey 87' (assist: Vagnoman)
Stuttgart welcomed Frankfurt to the MHPArena on Matchday 17 with both sides aiming to boost their European credentials. Sebastian Hoeneß made just one change to his side that had impressed in their 4-1 win at Bayer Leverkusen, with Ermedin Demirović making his first start since fracturing a metatarsal in October. Frankfurt arrived having drawn 3-3 with Borussia Dortmund, but were forced into three changes with Kauã Santos starting in goal and winter loan signing Arnaud Kalimuendo making his full debut.
Frankfurt flew out of the blocks and took an early lead when Rasmus Kristensen headed home a corner from Ritsu Dōan after just five minutes. The visitors continued to press high, keeping Stuttgart pinned back, but suffered a setback when Younes Ebnoutalib was forced off injured after a collision with Jeff Chabot to be replaced by Jean-Mattéo Bahoya.
Stuttgart gradually seized the initiative and equalised in the 27th minute when Demirović pounced on an error from Santos, who fumbled a cross into the striker's path. The hosts completed their first-half turnaround eight minutes later as Undav received a pass from Josha Vagnoman before firing home via a deflection off Ellyes Skhiri.
Stuttgart continued to dominate after the break but couldn't extend their lead despite creating several good chances. Undav was denied by a fine save from Santos, while Chris Führich curled an effort just wide. Frankfurt remained dangerous on the counter-attack though, with Ansgar Knauff crashing a volley against the crossbar.
Both teams made a flurry of substitutions midway through the second half, and it was Frankfurt substitute Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab who made an immediate impact, firing home from the edge of the area after receiving a pass from Mahmoud Dahoud to level the scores with ten minutes remaining.
Player of the Match: Deniz Undav
However, Stuttgart weren't to be denied as Nartey tapped in from close range three minutes from time after excellent work again from Vagnoman to secure a dramatic victory for the hosts.
Man of the Match: Deniz Undav
The Stuttgart forward was at the heart of his team's attacking play throughout the match, scoring in the 35th minute to put the hosts ahead. Undav recorded an impressive seven shots – more than any other player on the pitch – while also contributing to build-up play with a pass efficiency rating of +2.13. His movement and link-up play caused Frankfurt's defence constant problems, and he was deservedly voted Man of the Match with 53% of the votes. Undav's tenth goal of the season continued his remarkable scoring form - with all ten goals coming in his last ten Bundesliga appearances.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Stuttgart 3.08 - Frankfurt 0.83
Fastest player: Ansgar Knauff (Frankfurt), 35.65 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Rasmus Kristensen (Frankfurt), 3 percent
Most pressed player: Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), 29 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), +5.21
Fantasy Heroes: Deniz Undav (Stuttgart, 354 Points), Josha Vagnoman (Stuttgart, 278 Points), Kauã Santos (Frankfurt, 314 Points)
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