Embolo has largely struggled for form since moving to Gladbach in the summer, a long injury lay-off taking some of the edge from his play. But he was back to his best in the win over Freiburg. Despite missing a penalty everything else he did right, lashing home a finish into the top corner, laying on a third for Patrick Hermann and rounding off the win by showing great determination to win the ball back and flick the ball past the goalkeeper. Hopefully this represents a regular upturn for the Swiss forward.
There's only one reason why Bayern didn't claim a draw, or better, against Leverkusen on Saturday and it was down to Hradecky's outstanding performance. The likes of Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski were all denied during the contest in what was an inspired display, making an incredible 10 saves in total as Bayern couldn't believe how they failed to score. Most definitely the goalkeeping performance of the weekend.
Timo Werner is red-hot at the moment, as are RB Leipzig, and the German international came flying out of the blocks to down Paderborn in a ruthless 25 minute spell at the start of the match. His neat pass into Patrick Schick created a brilliant goal, while he himself burst through to brilliantly round the keeper and effectively seal the win. With Champions League qualification secured and a Bundesliga title very much in reach, this is shaping up to be Werner, and Leipzig's, year.
The Leon Bailey that was once so exciting has been largely absent this season but boy, did he show what he can do in the brilliant win at Bayern. Two very similar goals, each utilising his blistering pace, one on his right foot and one on his left, both drilled with precision and skill into the corner of Manuel Neuer's net. Bailey seems to be back.
Mainz picked up their second win on the bounce on Monday night against Frankfurt, and Karim Onisiwo made all the difference on the night. He showed good feet to adjust a Jerry St Juste shot and direct it into the net, and his knockdown at the back post led to the winner.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
William (8.1) was unlucky to be on the losing side for Wolfsburg in their defeat to Werder Bremen.
ROUND TO FORGET
Dominique Heintz (4.5) of Freiburg had a torrid afternoon against Embolo and Gladbach.
