Reus runs the show in disappointing Augsburg draw

Dortmund came into this fixture level on points with Schalke in second place. The end result put them 1 point ahead of their Gelsenkirchen rivals. Here’s how their players rated in their 1-1 draw with Augsburg:

Burki – 6

Burki was crucial to keeping the team in the contest at 1-0 up. That was until a Danso header from a corner was handled poorly, basically assisting Danso with his tap in. Burki’s blunder followed his incredible slip-up at Atalanta, which makes you wonder if he is a suitable long-term solution in the goalkeeping department…

Piszcek – 7

Got forward a lot more than usual, combined well with Reus down the right flank and whipped in a few decent crosses. Unfortunately, Augsburg packed the 18-yard area with their own players making it difficult for Dortmund to make the most of Piszczek’s forays forward.

Toprak – 7

Yet another satisfactory performance from the Turkish international.

Sokratis – 6

Sokratis’ aerial strengths were a great asset to the team on the night. However, he failed to mark Danso during a corner-kick allowing the youngster to get the equaliser.

Schmelzer – 7

Watching Schmelzer play, you wouldn’t for one second assume that he had just made his return from an injury. He was composed all night and surprisingly kept up with the pace of the game but because of Danso’s goal, he was unable to claim a clean sheet.

Weigl – 7

It was another top-notch display by Julian Weigl. As far-fetched as this may sound, the young playmaker brings a level of elegance to defending, that more midfielders should aspire to. He kept the ball moving at a good tempo and seems to have developed a good understanding with Gonzalo Castro.

Castro – 7

Castro played with a gritty attitude that complemented Wiegl’s classy game. It wasn’t a fantastic showing by the former Leverkusen midfielder, but it was just what the team needed on the night.

Schurrle – 6

Due to Augsburg’s deep defending, Schurrle was rarely afforded the space he could use to attack with his trademark high-velocity runs. He had a few good shooting opportunities, particularly one in the 68th minute, but he failed to hit the target with any of them.

Gotze – 6

Despite finding himself in great positions throughout the match but he couldn’t make the most of playmaking abilities. Augsburg defended in numbers and he even managed several smart passes into his teammates but his efforts were usually in vain. He did have a good run however in the build-up to Reus’ goal, where he carried the ball quite far before playing it to Schurrle, effectively ‘assisting the assist’.

Batshuayi – 6

Batshuayi was a marked man from start to finish, finding himself isolated against a three-man backline for the duration of the match.

Subs:

Dahoud – 6

After coming on for Castro with 30 minutes to go, he did well to push the team forward and help create opportunities. He had two good attempts from range, one which went wide by a few inches and another which was brilliantly saved. Then with 5 minutes to go, he was presented with an opportunity to win the game from about 7 yards out. But it wasn’t to be, as his shot crept over the crossbar, in a moment of anguish for everyone watching.

Pulisic – 6

Could’ve done more to get in the game but he suffered the same fate as Andre Schurrle.

Man of the Match:

Marco Reus – 8

It’s been an incredible last few games for the club’s star man after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He had an outstanding game in which he was simply a cut above the rest. He was his usual skillful self on the night, making key passes in tight areas and combined well with Piszczek down the right. He even played a crucial pass that set in motion the counter-attack, that ended with him scoring the opener. For his stellar Monday night performance, Marco Reus wins this weeks Man of the Match award.