Stuttgart up and running in Hanover
Hanover - VfB Stuttgart came from behind to beat Hannover 96 3-1 and record their first win of the season on Matchday 6.
HANNOVER 96 1-3 VFB STUTTGART
Goals: 1-0 Karaman (14’), 1-1 Gentner (16’), 1-2 Werner (18’), 1-3 Maxim (90+1)
Hannover started brightly as Danish midfielder Leon Andreasen fired home, only for the linesman’s flag to go up for offside. Hiroshi Kiyotake selflessly set up Kenan Karaman for his first Bundesliga goal in the 14th minute, but the Reds’ joy was short-lived. Stuttgart were level two minutes later through captain Christian Gentner. The veteran midfielder then played his part as Timo Werner made it 2-1 after Ron-Robert Zieler could only parry from Daniel Ginczek.
Stuttgart dominated proceedings in the second half with Daniel Didavi and Werner testing Hannover goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler. Devoid of inspiration, the home side wilted towards the end of the contest, allowing Stuttgart substitute Alexandru Maxim to wrap up three priceless points and rubber-stamp Alexander Zorniger’s first Bundesliga win since taking charge of the club in the summer.
Man of the match
Leading by example with a goal and a hand in Stuttgart's second, 30-year-old Gentner got the basics spot-on.
Talking point
Hannover’s inability to protect their early lead means Michael Frontzeck’s men are now one of just two Bundesliga teams, along with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, still without a win this season.
Stats of the match
- Gentner’s last away goal came in Hanover on 28 February 2015.
- Werner scored his first Bundesliga goal in 1105 minutes.
Line-ups
Hannover: Zieler - Sakai, Marcelo, Schulz, Albornoz - Sane - Sorg (Erdinc 46’), Andreasen (Saint-Maximin 72’) - Karaman (Klaus 67’), Kiyotake - Sobiech
Stuttgart: Tyton - Klein, Sunjic, Baumgartl, Insua - Die, Gentner (Rupp 80’) - Didavi (Maxim 60’), Kostic - Werner (Harnik 72’), Ginczek
