League leaders Bayern Munich were crowned Die Herbstmeister, after winning 2:1 against SC Freiburg in the Schwarzwald Stadion. Robert Lewandowski’s last minute winner broke the elusive deadlock and along with the hearts of several Freiburg fans. The hosts took the early lead through Jannik Haberer, thanks to some exquisite build-up play but the lead didn’t stay intact for long as Robert Lewandowski equalised 10 minutes before half time by latching onto a corner. Here are the Bayern player ratings in their first win of 2017 against the Breisgau Brazilians.
Manuel Neuer (7/10): Got well beaten within four minutes by Jannik Haberer’s lovely finish. But was largely a spectator from then on apart from some sharp attacking moments from Freiburg. Did well to concede just one goal in the end.
Philip Lahm (7/10): Aging Lahm had his fair share of troubles to cope with Vincenzo Grifo of SC Freiburg. The lightning quick counter attack from the opposition caught Lahm hot on his heels. However, the Bayern captain spent most of his time frolicking around midfield zones.
Javi Martinez (7.5/10): Martinez was actually decent at the back for Bayern, especially when it came to defending counter attacks. His clever positioning was enough to cover up his lack of speed but he too sometimes got caught by the break.
Mats Hummels (6.5/10): Struggled to keep up pace with the fast Freiburg attacks. His poor clearance paved way for the Freiburg opener. Also failed to defend properly for most of the periods and his offensive passes was largely ineffective.
David Alaba (7/10): Basically camped himself on the other end of the pitch. But his crosses didn’t really trouble the Freiburg defence. Overall, didn’t make any notable attacking contribution.
Xabi Alonso (7.5/10): His lack of speed caused him some problems earlier on but as the game went on, the former Spanish international managed to shape himself out. When the home side dropped off the gear in the second half, he was allowed to push further forward.
Arturo Vidal (7.5/10): Battled hard for possession and was smart in possession as well. However, he made way for Joshua Kimmich early on in the second half.
Arjen Robben (8.5/10): Easily one of the best Bayern players on the night. The Dutchman caused a lot of trouble for the opposition.
Thomas Muller (6.5/10): It was another frustrating night for the German International. Muller was injected as a number 10 in Carlo Ancelotti’s 4-2-3-1 formation but he failed to carve out good opportunities. As the game wore on, the forward looked even more frustrated and devoid of confidence.
Douglas Costa (7.5/10): Perhaps not as influential as Arjen Robben but the Brazilian international had his fair share of good attacking moments for his team. Did well to feed Lewandowski for the equaliser but failed to make an impression in the second half and was eventually replaced by Franck Ribery.
Robert Lewandowski (9/10): A joyous night once again for the Polish superstar. Lewandowski single-handedly took the game away from Christian Streich’s’ men. Beating Schowlow twice. Firstly, with a killer volley inside the penalty area and some neat work on the ball in the final minutes was enough to hand Bayern all three points.
Subs
Joshua Kimmich (8/10): Performed well after coming on in the second half. Was smart with his passing and offensive runs forward. The youngster is seemingly proving to be a great future prodigy for Bayern.
Franck Ribery (8/10): Made an instant impact after replacing ineffectual Douglas Costa. It was his looping cross which found Lewandowski for the last minute winner.
Juan Bernat (8/10): Bernat was very influential after coming on for David Alaba. Did more offensive work than the Austrian and also struck a good partnership with Ribery on the left flank.
