Bayern Strikes
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Four Takeaways as Bayern Munich grind out win against Augsburg

By Joshua Bishop

MUENCHEN, GERMANY - MARCH 8: Players of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrate after scoring a goal at the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and FC Augsburg at Allianz Arena on March 8, 2020 in Muenchen, Germany. (Photo by Franz Kirchmayr/SEPA.Media /Getty Images)
MUENCHEN, GERMANY - MARCH 8: Players of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrate after scoring a goal at the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and FC Augsburg at Allianz Arena on March 8, 2020 in Muenchen, Germany. (Photo by Franz Kirchmayr/SEPA.Media /Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich’s striker Thomas Mueller (L) and Swiss midfielder Ruben Vargas (R) vie for the ball during the German first division football Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and FC Augsburg in Munich, southern Germany, on March 8, 2020. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich’s striker Thomas Mueller (L) and Swiss midfielder Ruben Vargas (R) vie for the ball during the German first division football Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and FC Augsburg in Munich, southern Germany, on March 8, 2020. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images) /

Lewandowski’s absence was felt against Augsburg

Unlike recent Bundesliga performances, Bayern Munich did not get off to a high flying start in this match. It took until the 45th minute for Bayern to get their first real chance on goal, and even that shot was not on target. The team looked sluggish throughout the entire first half and couldn’t put any real pressure on the away side.

Neither of the wingers, Philippe Coutinho and Gnabry, could get anything going on the wings, and Thomas Muller struggled to have any real impact in the middle. It was his effort in the 45th minute that went over the bar, but that was the only real chance for the hosts.

This can be explained by the team just not going into high gear, but there is another, more pressing issue in the roster, and that is the absence of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker is currently out with injury, and coach Hansi Flick is yet to figure out what to do in his absence. Neither Thomas Muller or Joshua Zirkzee have been able to replicate what the Polish striker can do. Zirkzee was lively against Hoffenheim, but he was kept quiet by Augsburg. Lewy’s hold up play and ability to break down a compact defense is incredible, which was severely missed on Sunday.

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Lewandowski’s absence didn’t turn out to be a major problem against lower league teams such Augsburg, but when Chelsea comes to town, and the team plays the reverse fixture against Borussia Dortmund, it will be a very big issue.

Currently, Hansi Flick has been using Joshua Zirkzee or Thomas Muller in the central attacking role, but those performances have not inspired confidence. In this match, Serge Gnabry was moved to the striker spot, and there were very promising moments from the German forward, so it will be interesting to see if Flick uses him as number nine next week. They will have a week to work with Gnabry in training, so that looks like a genuine possibility.