Hoffenheim dominate Cologne to remain unbeaten

Hoffenheim extended their unbeaten start to the season to 13 games with an emphatic 4-0 win over Cologne.

Sandro Wagner struck twice for Julian Nagelsmann's men with Jeremy Toljan and Mark Uth also on target as Cologne conceded half as many goals in 90 minutes as they had in their previous 12 games.

Hoffenheim took the lead in the eighth minute when Benjamin Hubner's header hit the crossbar and fell for Wagner to convert from close range.

Cologne almost levelled through Anthony Modeste, but the defence which had provided the solid foundations for their season so far continued to show cracks under Hoffenheim's pressure and the hosts doubled their lead five minutes before half-time.

Nadiem Amiri sent Toljan through and he raced away from Frederik Sorensen before sending his shot through the legs of Thomas Kessler in the Cologne goal.

Wagner then headed in his second and Hoffenheim's third midway through the second half, killing off any hopes Cologne had of recovering.

They were ended completely when Uth, who was born in Cologne, added a fourth when he met Toljan's cross from close range to score against the club where he grew up.

He did not celebrate out of respect for his former club, but the Rhein-Neckar Arena was rocking as Hoffenheim climbed to fourth in the standings with a result which means they still have not lost a game this season.