Leipzig return to winning ways

Form can be so fickle in football. Having started the season with a superb eight-match unbeaten run that saw them emerge as early title contenders, Leipzig got to the stage when questions were being asked just when the next win would come - after failing to win in four in November and ending the month with a 5-1 defeat at home to Wolfsburg. 

There was therefore huge relief after their 2-0 success in Kiel on Matchday 13 that three Bundesliga points were finally in the bag once again. It was not a victory that came automatically, as Kiel scrapped with all their might in the hope of catching Leipzig out while their confidence is low and hit the crossbar via Steven Skrzybski during a wave of second-half pressure. 

A confident Benjamin Šeško first-half finish was added to by André Silva's first goal in the Bundesliga in close to two years from the penalty spot as Leipzig sealed the points.

Šeško praised the power of his side's persistence after the match, saying: "In the end, it was small things that helped us get back on track. We believe in ourselves and in our strengths. I'm proud of the team today."

There often isn't any secret sauce to reversing poor form, after all, other than playing to the best of your ability, working hard and getting the goals when you need them. Having managed that twice in the space of a few days - following a fabulous 3-0 Cup win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, Leipzig will be looking to continue their fightback at home to Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday before a reunion with Frankfurt on Matchday 14.

Win that, and Leipzig will draw level with second-placed Frankfurt on points - which coupled with the fact they are in the last eight of the cup leaves Marco Rose's side very well positioned for a team that has just emerged from a dire run of form.