1899 in 2010: Demba hits and hits, Sali hits and misses.

In October it became crystal clear that the 2010/11 Bundesliga season, or at least the first half, was going to be a little crazy. Mainz were sitting at the top of the table, Schalke and Stuttgart were struggling at the bottom. As for Hoffenheim; they had only lost to reigning champions FC Bayern München. Demba Ba, in particular, was driving the team early on. The Senegalese striker's performances improved with every passing match, despite being able to the find the net on only one occasion. "October went well for me", confirms Demba Ba who to this day still has a slight grin on his face when he says it.

For Sejad Salihovic, however, he looks back on the month of October with mixed feelings. In the match against Borussia Mönchengladbach the Bosnian managed to contribute both a superb assist as well as converted penalty to the proceedings. He had also begun to rediscover his magical touch from set pieces something that people had begun to notice in the opening exchanges. Up against league leaders Borussia Dortmund, though, a free kick was given to the men in black and gold and the resulting set piece was converted. "Sali" wasn't happy with the decision and made his feelings known to the referee and received his marching orders for his protests after seeing a second yellow card. To this day he admits: "Arguing the decision was not a good idea."