Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace as Bayern Munich secured a 4-1 victory over Greuther Furth in Bundesliga on Sunday.
Bayern Munich got back to winning ways after securing a vital 4-1 victory over Greuther Furth on Sunday. The result helped them retain their healthy six-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table, whereas their opponents remain at rock bottom.
Although the scoreline may paint a very different picture, it was an extremely difficult and tricky game for Bayern. They had a horrid first half as the spirited Furth side showed incredible resistance at the back. The visitors were also willing to put in challenges and make life difficult for the Bayern ball carriers. Their efforts were rewarded with a late first-half goal from Branimir Hrgota.
However, Furth endured a disastrous start to the second half, conceding the equaliser inside a minute. It forced Stefan Leitl’s men to take the defensive approach and try to deny the Bavarians another goal. But it turned out to be counterproductive as Furth giving Bayern the bulk of possession allowed Julian Nagelsmann’s team to carefully craft goalscoring opportunities.
In typical Bayern fashion, the hosts came back roaring, forcing an own goal from Sebastian Griesbeck in the 61st minute to grab the lead before Robert Lewandowski added more gloss to the scoreline late into the proceedings. There was time for another as half-time substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting netted the fourth deep in injury time, sealing three points for his team.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Bayern Munich players in their 4-1 win over Greuther Furth this weekend.
Sven Ulreich: 6.5/10
It was the first league win for Sven Ulreich this season after succumbing to defeats against Borussia Monchengladbach and VfL Bochum in his last two matches. The deputy goalkeeper was not at fault for conceding Hrgota’s opener as it deflected off Marcel Sabitzer to find the back of the net. Ulreich rather made some useful saves to keep Bayern in the contest, especially in the first half.
Sven Ulreich on the unlucky goal he conceded: "Everyone wants to do their best, but of course it was unfortunate that Sabi put his foot in it. I'm just happy that we still won today." pic.twitter.com/eHw9NuqUnY
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) February 20, 2022
Benjamin Pavard: 6/10
Benjamin Pavard looked more solid than usual, but it was far from an impressive display from the right-back. Operating in a more central role, he was troubled on multiple occasions, especially on the counter. Not the worst performer on the pitch, though.
Dayot Upamecano: 6.5/10
Dayot Upamecano had a relatively decent game at the heart of the Bayern Munich backline. His pace was extremely useful in dealing with the threat of Jamie Leweling and Hrgota. He did look shaky at times, but the centre-back offered enough solidity to keep things quiet, especially in the second half.
Lucas Hernandez: 3/10
It was one of those rare occasions where Lucas Hernandez completely failed to offer any resistance. Indeed, the Frenchman had a horrid afternoon dealing with the excellent Leweling. He had a better second half, but it was far from an impressive display from the former Atletico Madrid defender.
Omar Richards: 3/10
Julian Nagelsmann experimented with Omar Richards as the deputy for the injured left-back Alphonso Davies. However, the move did not pay off as the former Reading starlet looked very shaky on the left flank, struggling to deal with the presence of Hrgota. He was hooked off at half-time.
Nagelsmann on Omar Richards: "He was a bit isolated in that left flank. He didn't always manage to free himself up in 2v1 situations. The free-kick he conceded was a bit unfortunate, but it happens. I didn't sub him off because of his performance. We just needed a second striker" pic.twitter.com/0vYqvh7FFH
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) February 20, 2022
Joshua Kimmich: 6.5/10
Joshua Kimmich had a mixed afternoon. Operating as the holding midfielder, he had difficulties imposing his dominance against the likes of Max Christiansen and Paul Seguin. He was more influential in the second half, offering useful forward passes and creating a few opportunities in the final third.
Corentin Tolisso: 5/10
Corentin Tolisso made a poor start to the proceedings as he failed to settle into Greuther Furth’s intense pressing. His afternoon was then cut short by an injury that forced him off around the 25th-minute mark.
Marcel Sabitzer: 4/10
It was yet another disappointing outing for Marcel Sabitzer, who offered very little creativity in the middle of the park, even after assuming the central midfield role. The former RB Leipzig captain was also responsible, albeit, unfortunately, for the deflection that led to Hrgota’s opener just before the half-time whistle.
Thomas Muller: 6.5/10
Thomas Muller was massively involved in the build-up towards the own goal from Griesbeck that eventually served as the winner. His creativity was an asset, as ever, although the German international may have hoped for a more consistent involvement in the final third.
Leroy Sane: 6/10
Leroy Sane was not the best of performers in the Bayern Munich attack. The former Manchester City winger offered very little creativity in the final third, which is another indicator of his slight dip in form in 2022 so far. Sane must redeem himself soon, especially with Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman seemingly establishing themselves as among the best wingers in Europe.
Robert Lewandowski: 7/10
Robert Lewandowski put in a hard-working shift in the No. 9 role. His commitment was sky-high as he tried to get on the end of crosses and cause problems for the Furth defence. However, the Pole lacked the regularity with regard to his finishing and missed a couple of good opportunities, despite bagging a brace. He is now on course to break his own record of scoring 41 goals in a single Bundesliga campaign, which was set last season.
? @Lewy_Official after #Bundesliga MD23…
2020/21: 2⃣8⃣ goals
2021/22: 2⃣8⃣ goals pic.twitter.com/xwcsursd82— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) February 20, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Serge Gnabry: 7/10
Serge Gnabry made a noticeable impact after coming on for the injured Tolisso in the 25th minute. After a slow start, the winger looked sharp with his movements and notably set up the late goal from Choupo-Moting.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 8/10
Speaking of Choupo-Moting, the former PSG attacker made an immediate impact after coming on at half-time. He assisted Lewandowski for the equaliser inside 30 seconds and went on to score one himself. He is quite an underrated star at FC Bayern.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is the definition of the perfect 12th player. never complains about his role and when he plays, he performs. 1 goal and 1 assist today, fought hard for the team. he's been immense since he joined Bayern pic.twitter.com/CIKalajz9S
— davi (@kimmichism6) February 20, 2022
Niklas Sule: 7/10
Niklas Sule made an impressive cameo in the second half after replacing Hernandez. He looked solid defensively while bagging an assist for Lewandowski’s second of the night.
Marc Roca: N/A
A late replacement for Sabitzer. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Paul Wanner: N/A
A late replacement for Sane. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
