Bayern Munich see off Hannover 3-1 at the Allianz Arena — Player grades

Bayern Munich make up for last weekend’s poor display with an emphatic 3-1 win over Hannover 96 at the Allianz Arena.

Manager Grade

Jupp Heynckes — B+

Given the questionable fitness of many of his players, Jupp Heynckes put together the strongest line-up available to him. Led Bayern Munich to an emphatic victory after suffering his first loss of the season last weekend.

Player Grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — C+

Loses points for giving away the penalty; gains them back for making the save (albeit after a re-take). Made a few good saves, but nothing spectacular from Manuel Neuer’s deputy between the posts.

DEF, Rafinha — B-

A relatively quiet match from the Brazilian-German, which means he did his job well. He was actually a threat in attack too. His days in Munich might be numbered, but he’s nevertheless giving his best for the club, per usual.

DEF, Mats Hummels — B

Mats Hummels was, as usual, class personified in defense. Contributed well going forward, remained solid at the back. Exactly what we’ve come to expect from the German defender.

DEF, Jerome Boateng — C+

Boateng’s passing range was well on display against Hannover. He wasn’t quite as effective in defense as his partner, Hummels, but was by no means poor either.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — C+

Not the best of showings from young Kimmich, but not the worst either. He’s set his standards so high that even an above average performance from the youngster almost seems like a failure.

MID, Arturo Vidal — B+

Among the best players on the pitch, Arturo Vidal once again showed he still has what it takes to be an important member of this Bayern squad.

MID, Javi Martinez — B

Javi has been exceptional since making a return to midfield under Jupp Heynckes. Today was more of the same from the Spaniard. Playing just in front of the central defenders, Javi was quick to sort out any potential Hannover attacks. Contributed well offensively as well.

MID, Kingsley Coman — A

The best player in red at the Allianz Arena, Kingsley Coman’s pace and dribbling were on full display, as was his crossing and finishing. Unlucky not to end the game with at least a single assist, he buried his goal with an excellent finish after a sublime first touch. His tricky dribbling won the penalty to put Bayern 3-1 up.

MID, James Rodriguez — A-

Led the match in touches (121), passes completed and attempted (82 of 92), key passes (6), shots (6) and tackles (5), James’ performance was a well-rounded one. Hitting the woodwork and narrowly missing on a few occasions, its hard to believe he didn’t score. Similarly, that he didn’t manage an assist was not of his own accord. He’s quickly becoming a central player to this Bayern squad, and both the player and club are all the better for it.

MID, Thomas Muller — B

With five key passes and an assist, captain Thomas Muller certainly could have had worse returns from injury. He should’ve had two assists, but Lewandowski’s goal in the first half was wrongly disallowed for offside after VAR. Constantly put himself in threatening positions but showed signs of rust when it came to the final decision.

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — B-

As ever, Lewandowski slotted his penalty into the back of the net with ease. A poor refereeing decision kept him from his brace. Not too much more of note from the Pole in an otherwise typical display.

Next: Javi Martinez is happy to be back in midfield under Jupp Heynckes

Subs

MID, Corentin Tolisso — B

The Frenchman came into the match with a point to prove and did exactly that. With Arturo Vidal sitting further back, Tolisso had free reins to attack and did just that. He was narrowly denied a goal after getting on the end of a Coman cross and almost putting it in the back of the net.

MID/DEF, David Alaba — N/A

Given a short run-around on the left side of the field. Hardly had any impact on match preceedings though.

MID, Franck Ribery — N/A

Given a brief cameo by Heynckes, Ribery’s appearance allowed Kingsley Coman a much-deserved standing ovation and gave Bayern fans their first sight of Franck Ribery since Heynckes made the return to management.