Bayern Munich extended their good run of form in the Bundesliga on Saturday by registering a convincing 6-2 win against Mainz. It was an entertaining game that saw Bayern having six different goalscorers. The win on Saturday sent Die Roten back to the top of the points table in the Bundesliga.
Despite conceding two goals to Mainz, it was largely a controlled performance from Rekordmeister. They managed to put pressure on the visitors from the word go. Along with the impressive collective performance from Bayern on Saturday, here are the key takeaways from their third consecutive win in the Bundesliga.
Bayern excelling in attack with a number nine
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has been a revelation for Die Roten in the past couple of weeks. The veteran striker has led the line like a traditional number nine and scored crucial goals. He has contributed to eight goals and assists in the last five games across all competitions.
Using a typical number nine has also brought the best out of other forwards in the final third. Sadio Mane, Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, and Serge Gnabry have benefitted from Choupo-Moting acting as the target man. Moreover, the Cameroon forward’s exquisite linkup play brings other forwards into the play. The fluid front four has its uses, but for now, Die Roten is excelling with a traditional number nine in Choupo-Moting.
Julian Nagelsmann made right substitutions at the right time
After going through a rough patch in September, Julian Nagelsmann has been cautious about rotating the team frequently. The lack of playing time for squad players has led to frustration. However, Nagelsmann did time his substitutes to perfection against Mainz, giving opportunities to players that desperately need playing time.
Ahead of the Champions League game against Inter Milan on Tuesday, Nagelsmann brought Goretzka and Gnabry at the hour mark. Marcel Sabitzer and Kingsley Coman have done fairly well this season, so giving them 30 minutes to make a mark was good management. Meanwhile, Mattys Tel and Ryan Gravenberch also got much-needed game time in the final quarter of the game. With the team gaining momentum with results, Nagelsmann will hopefully show more confidence in squad players and rotate well since games will come thick and fast this season.
Mathys Tel continues to impress in limited opportunities
Mathys Tel got the opportunity to play the final 15 minutes of the game against Mainz. The French forward continues to impress in the limited opportunities he gets in the first team. Tel managed to score a wonderful goal against Mainz. The youngster came inside from the left flank and drilled a shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.
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Tel already has three goals to his name at Bayern. He has scored twice in the Bundesliga and once in DFB Pokal. Apart from goals, Tel also brings a lot of excitement to the attack. He is not afraid to take players on and beat them with pace and trickery. The early signs are promising for Tel as he continues to shine for the first team whenever he is called upon.