In the top game of the Bundesliga, FC Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund 4-2 (3-0) and thus regained the lead in the table. The grades and individual reviews of all FCB players used.
Match winner: Thomas Tuchel (FC Bayern Munich)
The Bayern bosses no longer trusted Julian Nagelsmann to lead the team from victory to victory in the upcoming crucial games of the season. Oliver Kahn, Hasan Salihamidzic and Co. were particularly concerned that BVB had overtaken them in the Bundesliga. That’s why Thomas Tuchel was brought in before the top game against Dortmund. And Tuchel delivered what was expected of him: three points. And a convincing performance by the team. After just one week of training, the coach refrained from surprises and relied on the traditional Bavarian 4-2-3-1 and tried and tested staff. His players thanked him and gave Tuchel his first important victory as Bayern coach.
Match winner: Thomas Muller (FC Bayern Munich)
New coach, same game: Thomas Müller is indispensable for Bayern in the important games. Müller not only scored two goals against Dortmund – he was also the player on whom the others could pull themselves up. He walked a lot, gesticulated with sweeping movements, gave commands. The Dortmund defense completely unnerved Müller. Even Tuchel will not get along in this form anytime soon without Thomas Müller.
Loser of the game: Gregor Kobel (BVB)
The Swiss is probably the best keeper in the league this season and has often saved BVB’s ass with outstanding performances. All the more bitter is his gross mistake before the 0:1, when he hit the ball undisturbed and thus initiated the downfall of Dortmund. His second blunder this season – the bankruptcy at Union Berlin was initiated by a very similar faux pas by Kobel.
Loser of the game: Marius Wolf (BVB)
The call-up to the national team should have given the right-back a boost, but Wolf was hopelessly overwhelmed against Bayern. No Dortmund lost more balls than he did, and he hardly had a chance against the fast Coman, not only with Bayern’s fourth goal.
Yan Summers: Was not seriously challenged by the Dortmund team without a chance over long stretches. Held a few desperate long shots with no problems. Then powerless at the penalty of Emre Can. Likewise with the goal for 4:2 by Donyell Malen. Yann Sommer is repeatedly involved in the game from defense by his colleagues, who have great confidence in his footballing abilities. Note 3.
FC Bayern: Defense
Benjamin Pavard: Was placed by Thomas Tuchel in the position he actually didn’t like on the right in the back four. Defended there seriously, held back offensively and mostly secured for Leroy Sané. His courageous ball win led to Thomas Müller making it 3-0. A solid performance by the French. Note 3.
Dayot Upamecano: Was celebrated by the FCB stadium announcer as the goal scorer to make it 1-0 because BVB keeper Gregor Kobel let his long pass roll into the goal from behind the center line. Was extremely strong in tackles and played a lot of good balls in the build-up. Upamecano is back in top form after his poor performance in Leverkusen! Grade: 2.
Matthijs de Ligt: Strong sliding tackle in the initial phase against Reus. Assisted Thomas Müller to make it 2-0 with a header after a corner. Otherwise cleared everything in defense that got in front of his feet or head. Grade: 2.5.
Alphonso Davies: This time again in the old role on the left in the back four. Like colleague Benjamin Pavard, he always focuses on the defensive first, but with more isolated advances than the Frenchman. Grade: 2.5.
FC Bayern: Midfield
Joshua Kimmich: Gallig in his duels and emotional leader in midfield – again and again with loud commands to the teammates. But he also yelled at himself after winning a duel. Oliver Kahn liked it in the grandstand. Grade: 2.5.
Leon Goretzka: Set a header chance too central to Kobel. Shortly thereafter, he just missed the goal. Overall offensive effort, a good ball distributor and with scratchy duel leadership. So Leon Goretzka is set in the Bayern headquarters. Grade: 2.
Kingsley Coman: Was mostly dealing with Marius Wolf, who was totally overwhelmed, on the left side of Bayern and therefore enjoyed a lot of freedom. Had bad luck just before half-time when he had already rounded Kobel, but then slipped on the grass of the Allianz Arena. At the beginning of the second half he was hardened when he scored to make it 4-0. Grade: 2.
Thomas Müller: It sounds trite, but his goal to make it 2-0 was a typical Müller! He unconventionally converted de Ligt’s header with his inner thigh. When it was 3-0, he stayed cool and thoughtfully put it in. For Müller it was the 25th brace in the Bundesliga. No other player still active in the league could do that. Very strong performance! Rating: 1.5.
Leroy Sane: Nice action before the 3:0:Gregor Kobel couldn’t hold onto his shot from outside the penalty area, Thomas Müller dusted off. Send preparatory work to 4: 0 by Kingsley Coman. Very lively, always playable and with a good eye. Overall as good as it hasn’t been in a Bayern jersey for a long time. Grade: 2.
FC Bayern: Attack
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: Was outshined by Thomas Müller, but also created a lot of space for his colleagues on the offensive. Standing offside with his beautiful side kick which went into the net. Then failed again due to Gregor Kobel. Unlucky in front of goal, but always tried. Grade: 3.5.
FC Bayern: Substitute
Sadio Mane: Came in for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the 68th minute. The star purchase of the summer was completely canceled by the Dortmund defense. grade: 4
Serge Gnabry: Substituted for Thomas Müller in the 68th minute. His foul on Jude Bellingham led to a penalty, which Emre Can converted to make it 4-1. Lubbed well into the net once but was ruled offside. grade: 4
João Cancelo: Substituted for Alphonso Davies in the 79th. No longer appeared. No rating.
Jamal Musiala: Came in for Kingsley Coman in the 79th minute. Shortly afterwards with a typical Musiala dribbling, after which he failed due to Gregor Kobel. No rating.
Ryan Gravenberch: Came in for Leon Goretzka in the 85th minute. After that no more action. No rating.
