Five observations from Bayern Munich’s 2-1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg

Defensive struggles rear their ugly head again

As is the theme of the season thus far, FC Bayern's defense was susceptible to counter attacks and, in what seems to be an unprecedented sixth game in a row, Bayern trailed off the first goal of the match. Leroy Sané whiffed on the ball and the remainder of the defense failed to fill in the gaps which led to this strike less than 6’ into the match.

Sané, for all of this offensive might, just does not have the defensive chops of Gnabry or others. I still believe he warrants a look as a starting winger, but it is clear that he needs to improve his defensive prowess. David Alaba, Lucas Hernández, and Jeromé Boateng have been solid albeit unspectacular, with Hernández starting to finally build confidence and performance worthy of his €80 million price tag. Niklas Süle filled is as a right-back and was nothing spectacular, but was able to cover with the speed that is not befitting of his stature.

I do feel, however, as soon as our resident angry Joshua Kimmich takes his rightful place as the No. 6, Bayern’s defensive woes will be covered up to a level we are used to.

Lewandowski makes it 250 (and then 251)

Another game, another record for our Ballon d’Or winner (Hey, in our hearts, he won it, alright?) Robert Lewandowski finally hit the 250th, and shortly after, the 251st Bundesliga goal of his career with a beautifully placed header just before the end of the first half, making him just the third player in Bundesliga history to achieve this tally. He is now only 17 goals away from surpassing Schalke 04 and West Germany legend Klaus Fischer for second place all-time in the Bundesliga goal tally.

How may I assist you?

Move over Thomas Müller, there is a new assist king at FC Bayern. Recording his 7th assist of the year, Kingsley Coman has been the main server to the rest of Bayern’s attack, including the ever-important game-tying goal right before the end of the first half for Robert Lewandowski’s 250th career Bundesliga goal. He has been, if I may boldly claim, the most consistent Bayern winger. Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané have both shown flashes, but Coman has once again shown that he needs to be the first winger on the team sheet in any given match.

VfL Wolfsburg gets creative but run Into A brick wall

Apart from their initial goal in the 6’ minute, VfL Wolfsburg was unable to make their goals count. Halfway through the 1st half, Wout Weghorst smashed a stunning ball into the back of the net but was called offside on a goal that would’ve made it 2-0 Wolfsburg. Following that chance, Wolfsburg was hardly about the get effective scoring shots on Manuel Neuer’s net. Even though they had 9 shots by the 67’ minute, an overwhelming majority of them did not challenge Manuel Neuer in any fashion.

Your Lord and Savior, Manuel Neuer

My words cannot describe this observation here. Just watch. This man is the best goalkeeper in the world and it’s not particularly close.