AMSTERDAM – Hertha Berlin backline prodigy John Anthony Brooks got the early shower on Friday, leaving before intermission of a see-saw 3-2 victory over Bundesliga guests Werder Bremen.
The youngster, who started despite picking up a knock during warm-ups, worked an eventful shift in only 38 minutes. The highlight came when his offensive surge-and-dish sparked the move from which the hosts grabbed their first lead of the night through Adrián Ramos shortly before the half-hour mark. However, Brooks was also culpable on both Bremen tallies, more so on Aaron Hunt's 32nd-minute equalizer.
It wasn’t entirely clear if Brooks got the early hook because of performance issues, or a recurrence of the leg injuries that have plagued him all autumn.
Eventually, Ronny struck early in the second half to finally decide a roller-coaster contest in favor of the home side. Hertha snapped a three-game win drought at home to tentatively grab sixth place.
