Stuttgart's problems run deeper than missed chances after late Hamburg defeat

Stuttgart will be wondering how they left Hamburg empty-handed on Saturday. Sebastian Hoeneß's side racked up 24 attempts on goal, enjoyed 66% possession and created more than enough chances to put the game to bed before Miro Muheim's spectacular late winner.

Deniz Undav struck the post and Ermedin Demirović wasted several promising openings, while Hamburg goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes was kept busy throughout the afternoon. There was plenty to like about Stuttgart in the first two thirds of the pitch, particularly in the first half, but once again their good work counted for nothing in the league.

The visitors lost their way after the break, allowing Hamburg to take control for a spell in which Yussuf Poulsen twice struck the woodwork. VfB eventually regained the initiative but still could not find a breakthrough. Hoeneß felt his side had done enough to win, and it is difficult to disagree.

A worrying pattern

Saturday's defeat was Stuttgart's fourth in six Bundesliga matches, leaving them with just six points. Victories over Paderborn and Slovan Bratislava earlier in the week showed what they can do when things click, but only “parts” of their performances have been encouraging.

Stuttgart are creating chances and not scoring, while showing defensive vulnerabilities unseen in Hoeneß's prior years — even in the 4-1 win against Köln, the common theme of an awful start to the second half was present once again.

Individually, there are concerns too. Grischa Prömel has struggled in midfield since his summer arrival, the armband seems to weigh heavy on Undav, and the club's biggest signing, Dzenan Pejcinovic, has been unable to get going.

Things do not get much easier: Atletico Madrid arrive this week before a meeting with bottom-dwellers Gladbach. Hoeneß needs a response before matters become urgent for a club reliant on European football to keep their squad together.