Bayern Munich players show ruthlessness in the win against Bayer Leverkusen.
Manager Rating
Hansi Flick — 8/10
Flick once again got his tactics spot on against Bayer Leverkusen. The team struggled initially, but they never looked troubled against Leverkusen’s counterattacks. Moreover, he made sure that Bayern Munich didn’t get their foot off the pedal and controlled the game. He took time to make changes, but overall he got the majority of decisions right on Saturday.
Player Ratings
GK, Manuel Neuer — 7/10
Neuer was once again very reliable whenever he was called upon to make saves. He made couple of good saves in the second half. His distribution was top class, and awareness about the danger in the box was on point. The German international could hardly do anything about the two goals Leverkusen scored.
DEF, Benjamin Pavard — 7/10
A quiet game for the French defender. Pavard was tidy on and off the ball. His passing was crisp, but he hardly played any killer pass in the final third. Defensively, Pavard was solid, locking down the right flank, but could have done much better while going forward.
DEF, Jerome Boateng —7/10
Boateng was the better central defender today. The German defender showed his experience while containing Leverkusen’s onslaught at the start of the game. His passing was immaculate, hardly misplacing a single pass. Boateng played a long ball for Gnabry at the end of the first half, only for the German winger to miss the target.
DEF, David Alaba — 6/10
A rare poor outing for the Austrian defender. Alaba had a very difficult start to the game as he committed the mistake for Leverkusen’s goal. He slowly recovered from this mistake, but he still looked shaky at the back. However, his passing was sublime, consistently beating the high line of defense maintained by Leverkusen.
DEF, Alphonso Davies — 7/10
Davies shone once again, but he didn’t have assists to his name in this game. The Canadian winger was a constant threat in the final third, creating a glorious chance for Coman in the second half. The improvement in his positioning was visible in this game, as he made several important blocks to save Die Roten. Along with his offensive play, the teenager is rapidly improving the defensive side of his game.
A solid display from Bayern Munich’s midfielders
MID, Joshua Kimmich — 8/10
The midfield continues to be the strongest aspect of this Bayern squad. They took time to settle against Leverkusen, but once they did, the opposition couldn’t contain them. Joshua Kimmich was the anchorman in the midfield, controlling the tempo of the game. He was pressing aggressively, but he was largely committed to being a bit conservative today due to Leverkusen’s threat on the counter. The German international played a wonderful aerial pass for Gnabry’s goal, showing his immense technique and vision. He was also a constant threat with his deliveries from corners.
MID, Leon Goretzka — 9/10
Goretzka is slowly making it difficult for Hansi Flick to bring Thiago Alcantara back into the team. The German midfielder was operating as the number eight in this game, supporting the attack consistently. He won the ball high up the pitch for the equalizer and played a delightful pass for Kingsley Coman. The German international continued to make deep runs in the box. He was finally rewarded for his efforts as he started a swift counter-attacking move by winning the ball in his half and then ending the move by slotting the ball past Lukas Hradecky. A complete midfield performance from the German midfielder.
Bayern Munich forwards show improvement
FWD, Kingsley Coman — 8/10
Finally, Kingsley Coman scored a Bundesliga goal. The French winger showed great composure to score the equalizer for Die Roten. Coman looked bright throughout the game, taking on players and making the right decisions in the final third. He looked even better when he moved to the right-hand side midway through the first half. It was an important goal for Coman. He needs to build on this performance and become more consistent.
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FWD, Thomas Muller — 8/10
Muller continues to show his importance in the final third. His work ethic remains top class, and the amount of creativity he brings in the final third is incredible. The German showed great awareness to square the ball for Goretzka’s goal. His cross for Lewandowski’s goal was a thing of beauty. Muller currently has 20 assists in the Bundesliga. He is set to miss next weekend’s game against Borussia Monchengladbach, but there are still three league games to beat Kevin De Bruyne’s record of 21 assists in one season.
FWD, Serge Gnabry — 8/10
Gnabry had found back his mojo against Fortuna Dusseldorf after a quiet return to football. The German winger got better against Leverkusen as he scored 12th league goal of the season. Gnabry was relentless in the final third as he made dangerous runs in the channels. The German international could have got a brace as he fluffed a big chance in the second half. Nevertheless, a solid performance from Gnabry.
Lewandowski can’t stop scoring for Bayern Munich
ST, Robert Lewandowski — 8/10
Scoring a goal every game is nothing extraordinary for Lewandowski. The Polish striker continued his scoring streak by heading from close range in the second half. He was not a constant threat in the box throughout the game but worked hard for the team. Lewandowski also created chances for his teammates by dropping deep. The Polish striker’s immense fitness was on display as he recorded a top speed of 34.8 km/hr in the game. Such a shame that he will be missing next weekend’s game due to the accumulation of five yellow cards.
Substitutes-
FWD, Ivan Perisic — 6/10
The Croatian winger continues to get playing time from the bench. He linked up well with Davies on the left flank and looked threatening in the final third.
MID, Thiago Alcantara — N/A
The Spaniard made his comeback from injury in the final 15 minutes of the game. He helped Die Roten to retain possession but didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact.
MID, Javi Martinez — N/A
Javi Martinez came on for Goretzka in the 75th minute to shore up the defense. He shielded the defense, but like Thiago, he had very little time to have a say in the game.
DEF, Lucas Hernandez — N/A
Hernandez came on late for Davies to slot in the left-back position.