Bayern Munich arrested a mini-slump in the Bundesliga by clinching a comfortable 5-1 victory against FC Koln on Saturday. The German Champions will temporarily have five points lead at the top of the table as RB Leipzig faces Borussia Monchengladbach later today.
Manager Rating:
Hansi Flick — 8/10
Flick minute change in the lineup turned out to be a masterstroke as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting opened the scoring. The timing of his substitutes also played a big role in Bayern seeing out the victory when FC Koln was threatening to get the equaliser. The German manager will be hoping that his team stops making uncharacteristic errors at the back.
Player Ratings
GK, Manuel Neuer — 6/10
Neuer will be disappointed with the way he conceded the first goal. Yes, the player was through on to the goal, but he is generally good at winning such duels. Made a rare mistake late in the game by coming early to collect the ball instead of holding his position.
DEF, Niklas Sule — 7/10
After looking uncomfortable in the far right-back/center-back hybrid position against Arminia Bielefeld and Eintracht Frankfurt, Sule delivered a better performance against Koln. His positioning while defending transitions was up to the mark and he also provided thrust while going ahead. The German defender came close to scoring in the first half when his thunder strike from outside the box hit the side netting.
DEF, Jerome Boateng — 6/10
The German defender was having a solid game until the miscommunication with Alaba to gift a goal to Koln early in the second half. He was solid on the ball and commanded the box when Die Roten was under pressure after Koln scored the goal.
DEF, David Alaba — 6/10
Alaba also had a very good game apart from that costly mistake for Koln’s goal. He made some crucial interceptions at the back when the visiting side was executing counter-attacks. As always, the Austrian defender was majestic on the ball.
DEF, Alphonso Davies — 6.5/10
An industrious performance from the Canadian winger. Davies is slowly getting back to his best form after a start-stop season. He looked tired as the game went on, so it was not a surprise, Flick brought on Hernandez for the last 15 minutes.