Bayern Munich, once again looked unconvincing in making use of their created chances as Robert Lewandowski and the subs save the day, in a 2:0 win over Werder Bremen.
After missing loads of chances in the first half, and also on most part of the second half, Lewandowski, all of a sudden, tore apart the Bremen defence by himself, to score a brace inside the last quarter of the game.
The win takes the Bavarians to the second spot, trailing table toppers Borussia Dortmund on goal difference. Here are the Bayern Munich player ratings in their win over the Northerners.
Manuel Neuer(7/10): Hardly had to do anything, especially in the first half, as Bremen failed to breach the defence. Die Grunweissen, however, upped the ante, a bit more in the second half, but yet it wasn’t enough to trouble the German International captain, who was making a come back into the starting lineup, after an injury spell on the sidelines.
Joshua Kimmich(8.5/10): Kimmich was excellent, once again, as the right back. The German youngster, touted as the heir of retired Philipp Lahm, made more passes than anyone else on the field whilst also covering more ground than any other Bayern player. He stationed himself on the right flank and helped the wingers breach the Bremen defence.
Niklas Sule(7.5/10): A decent game for Niklas Sule, who played alongside Mats Hummels. The ex-Hoffenheim defender is settling quite well with his new club. He didn’t have much to do defensively, but still managed three blocks and two clearances against Werder.
Mats Hummels(7.5/10): Was unconvincing at the start, where he looked a little rusty against the Bremen attackers. He took a knock from Lewandowski in the first half, but came back strongly in the second half, by manipulating possession with more freedom and confidence. He also could have scored a goal in the second half.
David Alaba(8.5/10): Very industrious performance from David Alaba. The Austrian International showed his tenacity, as he covered the entire left flank very well. He was also seen doing the dirty defensive work, as well as linking up with attackers up front. A great all-round performance from the 25-year old.
Arturo Vidal(8/10): The lack of Sebastian Rudy in the lineup, meant he had to control the game all by himself. The Chilean showed great fighting spirit and defensive tenacity to win seven tackles, most by any player on the field. Although his passing was a little unconvincing. He was replaced by Sebastian Rudy in the 85th minute.
Thiago Alcantara(7/10): Looked very rusty throughout the game. Thiago, who was making his comeback after a long injury layoff, evidently lacked the confidence to show his true nature against Werder Bremen. A bit more practice and game time will do a world of good for the Spanish International.
Corentin Tolisso(8.5/10): Killed the game by himself. The new signing from Lyon looked incredibly amazing throughout the game. Not only did he gel well with his new teammates, but also made a few scoring opportunities by himself. He has been one of Bayern’s top players, this early in the season.
Arjen Robben(8/10): The Dutchman picked up from where he left off last season as he fired through the right flank and created a lot of scoring opportunities. He was looking menacing on the right side, but Bremen’s defence had enough men behind to keep out the 33-year-old. He was replaced by Kingsley Coman inside the hour mark.
Franck Ribery(7.5/10): Robben’s presence in the team often tends to overshadow Ribery’s performances and it was no different against Werder. The Frenchman did well to infuse quality down the left-hand side, but it could never be as well as Robben on the right.
Robert Lewandowski(9/10): The Bremen killer! Lewandowski scored 12 goals in his last nine games against Werder Bremen. He saved the day for the Bavarians, with a timely brace, otherwise, it would have ended as a draw.
Subs
Kingsley Coman(8/10): Replaced Arjen Robben on the hour mark, but many presumed it as a bad decision from Carlo Ancelotti. However, the move paid off at the end, as the French International picked up an assist in the 71st minute, when Lewandowski finally broke the deadlock.
Thomas Muller(NA): Subbed on for Franck Ribery, for the final quarter of the game or so, Muller had an instant impact on the proceedings.
Sebastian Rudy(NA): Was subbed on for Arturo Vidal, who was already on a booking, to bring more stability in midfield for the final few minutes of the game.
