Bundesliga
Gladbach up and running
After a torrid start to the campaign, Borussia Mönchengladbach returned to winning ways as they picked up their first Bundesliga victory in seven months courtesy of a 4-0 triumph over St. Pauli.
It may just be a coincidence, but Gladbach's three-point haul in Hamburg came in their first match after the end of Daylight Saving Time, while their previous Bundesliga win was on 29 March, the final day of Winter Time. Against Pauli, the Foals rediscovered what they have been missing for so long: rhythm, energy and determination.
At the Millerntor, Gladbach performed well in duels, were efficient and appeared to be enjoying their football again. They created significantly more chances than their opponents, which led to a more-than-deserved triumph.
Watch: St. Pauli 0-4 Borussia M'Gladbach
It is now two wins in two for Gladbach following on from beating Karlsruhe 3-1 in the DFB Cup second round on Tuesday. Now, in his sixth Bundesliga game as head coach, Eugen Polanski can finally celebrate the end of a record start for all the wrong reasons. Not since 1965 has a Gladbach coach, interim or otherwise, had to wait so long for a maiden Bundesliga win.
"Things went exactly as we hoped they would. Our match plan was executed perfectly. I am extremely happy," Polanski said.
Meanwhile, Florian Neuhaus expressed Gladbach's desire to put the winless spell behind them. "This game will give us lots of confidence moving forward and could be a real game-changer."
Yannik Engelhardt, too, believes this could be a springboard for the Foals. "Considering our current situation, a 4-0 away victory was anything but a given. We were clinical on the counter and used our chances. Now we can build on this, and we are looking forward to the derby (against Cologne next week)."
After finding the back of the net six times across the opening eight matchdays, Gladbach were in desperate need of a hero against Pauli. Step forward Haris Tabaković, who not only netted a brace, but also provided an assist, fired off five shots and won 63 per cent of his duels. He has now scored half of Gladbach's goals in the top flight this term - the highest proportion in the division.
"It was crucial that we scored the first goal. That feeling of being in front pushed us forward. In general, we put in an impressive performance," said the match-winner.
All of a sudden, the feeling around Borussia-Park is a whole lot different. Winter is coming, and Gladbach appear to be enjoying the change in temperature.