Bayern Munich clinch narrow win against Mainz 05- Player Ratings

Bayern Munich continued their winning run in the Bundesliga on Saturday by coming from behind against Mainz to clinch a 2-1 win at Allianz Arena. The defending Bundesliga champions were not at their best, but they managed to breach the stubborn defense of Mainz to go six points clear at the top of the table. Let us look at how every player and manager fared for Bayern in this closely fought game in Bavaria.

Manager Rating:

Julian Nagelsmann — 7/10

Nagelsmann got the right message across the team at halftime, and his substitutes were spot on. However, he needs to get his team to start playing on the front foot from the word go instead of reacting strongly after going a goal down.

Player Ratings:

Manuel Neuer — 7/10

Neuer didn’t have big saves to make in the game, but he contributed well when Die Roten was trying to build attacks from the back. He could have reacted early to claim the cross for the goal, but the entire defensive unit crumbled for the slick move from Mainz.

Benjamin Pavard — 8/10

Pavard had a good game as he formed third center-back in the build-up play. In the second half, he contributed well in the final third and picked the right pass to set up Musiala for the second goal.

Lucas Hernandez — 7/10

Hernandez looked sound defensively for the majority of the game, and his passing was also accurate. However, he didn’t provide the cutting edge on the ball that Sule offered, so it was not a surprise to see Hernandez come off at the hour mark.

Dayot Upamecano — 7/10

Upamecano did well when Bayern were chasing the game. He worked well defensively throughout the game but didn’t do enough to stop the cross for Mainz’s goal.

Alphonso Davies — 7 /10

Davies was a constant menace on the left flank. He provided the width on the left and allowed Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry to play as inside forward. The Canadian did give the ball cheaply on a few occasions, but overall, he had a steady performance.

Corentin Tolisso — 7.5/10

Lost his man for the goal, but Tolisso had a very positive performance on the ball. The French midfielder made up for his error for the goal by finding Coman with a pin-point long ball for the equaliser. He was very efficient in the ball and kept the play ticking for the home side.

Jamal Musiala — 8/10

Musiala was paired up with Tolisso in midfield, but he largely operated as number ten. He showed some great touches in the final third and came up with a very smart finish to win the game for his team. The youngster is making a strong case for getting an extended run in the starting XI.

Leroy Sane — 6/10

A frustrating afternoon for Sane as he struggled to create clear-cut chances for the team. He was eventually replaced by Gnabry at the hour mark.

Thomas Muller — 6/10

Muller worked tirelessly throughout the game, but his final ball couldn’t open up the stubborn defense of Mainz. A rare tepid performance from the German international.

Kingsley Coman — 8/10

Coman provided the width on the right flank, and his decision-making in the final third was spot on for the majority of the game. Great touch and finish to score the equaliser for Die Roten.

Robert Lewandowski — 6/10

A rare poor outing for Lewandowski. He was kept quiet by Mainz’s defense for the majority of the game.

Substitutes:

Marc Roca — 7/10

Slotted comfortably in the number six position and helped the team to pile pressure on Mainz. The Spaniard will be hoping to get more opportunities in the coming weeks after two good cameos this week.

Niklas Sule — 7/10

Sule marshaled the back four after coming on at the hour mark and helped Die Roten to keep Mainz’s attack at bay.

Serge Gnabry — 7/10

Looked bright after coming on as his direct approach helped in stretching Mainz’s defense and creating good opportunities.

Tanguy Nianzou — 6/10

Nianzou came on for Musiala in the 82nd minute as Die Roten looked to see out the game.