VfB temporarily leaders
Stuttgart’s goal monster Guirassy is also eating Darmstadt
September 22, 2023, 10:30 p.m
VfB Stuttgart continues its outstanding start to the season and temporarily even storms to the top of the table. The Swabians managed to survive against newcomers Darmstadt and still had to tremble for a long time before victory was clear. Once again Serhou Guirassy makes the decision.
A convincing VfB Stuttgart remains the surprise team in the Bundesliga thanks to its top goalscorer Serhou Guirassy. The Swabians also deservedly won 3-1 (2-1) against newly promoted Darmstadt 98 and temporarily moved to the top of the table. It is VfB’s best start to the season in 37 years and the legendary times of the “magic triangle” with Krassimir Balakov, Giovane Elber and Fredi Bobic. “I’m very happy. We won, that’s the most important thing. But of course I’m also happy about my goals and that I was able to help my team with them. I have to continue that now,” said a beaming Guirassy at DAZN. “He’s in top form, outstanding. We’re glad we have him,” praised Chris Führich.
Sebastian Hoeneß’s strong team fell behind in front of 54,300 spectators in the sold-out arena due to an own goal from Dan-Axel Zagadou (17th). However, Enzo Millot equalized just five minutes later before the outstanding Guirassy struck again in the 32nd minute. For the VfB striker it was the ninth shot on goal this season – and the ninth (!) goal. In injury time, Guirassy (90th + 2) followed number ten. Only then-Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski had scored so many goals after five games in 2020.
It was the fourth win in the fifth game. Only in 1996 under coach Joachim Löw did Stuttgart have five victories at the start. The Swabians had been deep in the relegation battle for the last two seasons, and in the summer the traditional club even saved themselves from relegation. In the first two home games, Hoeneß’ team even won 5-0 against VfL Bochum and Europa League participants SC Freiburg – never before has a club in Bundesliga history achieved this in front of a home crowd with a goal difference of plus ten goals started. Darmstadt, which recently got its first point in the wild 3-3 draw against Gladbach, continues to pay the lessons.
Completely surprising tour
Hoeneß once again let the team start that had last won 3-1 in Mainz. And VfB took the initiative right from the start, but against an extremely defensive team from Darmstadt, the Swabians couldn’t find a gap – the exception was a header from Zagadou after a corner. It was all the more surprising that the guests took the lead. Tim Skarke passed the ball into the center during the first Lilien attack, Zagadou overcame his keeper Alexander Nübel in his unfortunate attempt to defend.
VfB shook themselves briefly and quickly hit back. Guirassy prepared for Millot in an exemplary manner. Stuttgart stayed on the trigger and were rewarded when Guirassy fired powerfully from the edge of the penalty area. Just a little later there was something new: a shot on goal by the 27-year-old national player from Guinea did not land in the goal. It remained one-sided; Chris Führich could have made the preliminary decision in stoppage time in the first half.
At the end it gets antsy again
Darmstadt tried to use their physicality to get back into the game against the best offense in the league – in vain. Even after the restart, the Swabians appeared more determined. Again it was Guirassy who missed the first opportunity (53′). On the other side, Lieberknecht would have liked to have been awarded a penalty, but referee Matthias Jöllenbeck decided against blowing the whistle. After that, the Stuttgart team was back in control.
The supposed 3-1 by Chris Führich was overturned by the video referee due to an offside position (65th). Just a minute later, Marcel Schuhen saved from Guirassy and Millot slipped as he tried to shoot. Doubts about a home win arose again in the final phase because Darmstadt made gains. But Guirassy made the decision with a lob in added time.