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Bayern Munich: The Takeaways from Matchday 10

By Kelly Krigger

MUENCHEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 05: Goal for1899 Hoffenheim, Goal Keeper Manuel Neuer (1) of Bayern Muenchen too late to catch the Ball during the 1. Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the Allianz-Arena on November 05, 2016 in Muenchen, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Kremer at Pixolli Studios/Getty Images)
MUENCHEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 05: Goal for1899 Hoffenheim, Goal Keeper Manuel Neuer (1) of Bayern Muenchen too late to catch the Ball during the 1. Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the Allianz-Arena on November 05, 2016 in Muenchen, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Kremer at Pixolli Studios/Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich looked to further their lead in the Bundesliga this weekend as they took on Hoffenheim at home on Saturday.  The match ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw.

Here’s what I took away from the Bayern Munich game.

Bayern lacked creativity in their chances

Bayern’s only goal of the game was an own goal.  Two of their best chances came from a defender, Mats Hummels. It was not until the final ten minutes of the match that Bayern really looked alive.  However, that still was not enough.

While Bayern maintained good possession and had good chances, they were not able to capitalize.  When they got chances, they missed.  Thomas Muller came on as a sub, and missed a chance while standing in front of an essentially open net.

While their chances improved as the match progressed, Bayern has to get more creative as they look to defend their Bundesliga title.

Next: Bayern No Longer Formidable Foe

Manuel Neuer had a no good, very bad game

The Manuel Neuer that showed up for this match is not the same Manuel Neuer Bayern Munich fans are used to seeing.  He looked like a scared 22 year old keeper starting in his first Bundesliga match, not the hailed captain of Germany.

Hoffenheim’s goal was not a product of Manuel Neuer’s poor game, it was a tremendous goal that was perfectly placed. However, he fumbled a couple of balls and looked uncharacteristically uncertain.  At one point, he even slipped while passing a ball.

While this performance is not my biggest concern, it was still weird to watch a normally competent and confident man play so poorly.

Thomas Muller is still struggling to score

Thomas Muller came on as a sub and found himself in several good chances to put his team up, but the back of the net remained elusive for the German.  He has yet to score in the Bundesliga this season, and it is clear he is desperate to change that.

Bayern looked tired

Jerome Boateng looked tired. Xabi Alonso looked tired. Arjen Robben was subbed to keep him fresh.  Bayern Munich had some players that played uninspired, tired ball for 80 minutes of the match, and that really did not seem to bother them.  As Carlo Ancelotti subbed Kingsley Coman, Thomas Muller and David Alaba in, the game got more interesting.  But this did not look like the dominant Bavarian side we have come to know.