Fabian Lustenberger scored the winner in a 2-1 triumph as Hertha Berlin condemned Stuttgart to a fourth successive Bundesliga defeat.

The opening goal arrived in just the 14th minute when the influential Mitchell Weiser linked up with Vladimir Darida on the wing before finding Genki Haraguchi, who turned into space in the box to slot home.

It looked like Stuttgart would reach the break on level terms after Toni Sunjic capitalised on poor marking to head home an equaliser from Daniel Didavi's inviting free kick.

The visitors were unable to hold out in the closing stages of the first half as Hertha moved ahead for the second time in stunning fashion thanks to Lustenberger, who found the top corner with a volley from the edge of the box after Stuttgart failed to clear a free kick.

An injury to Roy Beerens handed Vedad Ibisevic to come off the bench to face the side he left in the transfer window, and he came close to marking the occasion with a goal when Odisseas Vlachodimos pushed his powerful effort to safety.

Sunjic threatened to score his second at the other end, but he headed just wide as both teams continued to play positively.

Hertha would drop back to protect their lead late on, and they survived extended spells of pressure from Stuttgart as the visitors twice went close as Alexandru Maxim curled wide before Sunjic put his header a few inches past the post.

Stuttgart were unable to turn pressure into an equaliser and Alexander Zorniger could only watch on as his side extended their losing run.