Bayern Munich drew their third consecutive Bundesliga match on Saturday as Stuttgart equalised from the spot in stoppage time to earn a 2-2 result.
From near-perfect at San Siro in the Champions League on Wednesday to out of sorts against Bundesliga relegation battlers, Bayern Munich’s strange start to the season took another odd turn at Allianz Arena.
They put on a fabulous pressing show under Julian Nagelsman in their midweek 2-0 victory over Inter, suggesting they could better execute the coach’s tactics in his second season in charge. But against Stuttgart, the worst qualities of his first term – namely moments of dropped concentration at the back – bit them.
Nagelsmann made significant line-up changes from that victory at San Siro, with Mathys Tel, Dayot Upamecano, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka and Noussair Mazraoui coming into the line-up. Those players range in experience – Tel became the Bundesliga’s youngest ever starter while Goretzka is a veteran of the division – but the number of alterations at an early stage in the season seemed to affect the Bavarians in their all-round cohesion.
Still, two players who started against Inter who were responsible for Stuttgart’s goals. In the 57th minute, Alphonso Davies gave away a sloppy pass in his own half, then unconvincingly closed down Konstantinos Mavropanos who passed to Chris Fuhrich for an easy finish. In stoppage time, Matthijs De Ligt was adjudged to have fouled Serhou Guirassy in the box and the Stuttgart forward converted the ensuing penalty.
Davies did otherwise deliver a decent performance, assisting Tel for the opener while consistently breaking up attempted play from Stuttgart. De Ligt was less assured.
It takes a lot for Bayern Munich to worry about a domestic campaign. Ten titles in a row create a special kind of confidence, and they will still finish Saturday atop the Bundesliga table.
Nonetheless, for a club expected to achieve perfection not every once in a while, but every time they take the pitch, the past couple of weeks are unacceptable.
Slip-ups might not ultimately matter in their Bundesliga title race. They absolutely will, though, if they carry over to the Champions League.
Getty ImagesThe Winner: Mathys Tel
In a squad of players much older and experienced than him, the 17-year-old stood above the rest.
Despite his age, Tel was significantly more involved on the ball than the other Bayern Munich forwards. He took his first shot in the 30th minute, then tried again in the 39th minute and it was much better, putting the hosts 1-0 in front.
At the beginning, he stayed pushed forward on the right wing too often to prevent Borna Sosa's attacking exploits but improved in that respect as the match went on.
A great starting XI debut.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Loser: Tiago Tomas
The Stuttgart striker, who impressed last season, really struggled. He only touched the ball 11 times in the first half – and lost it on four occasions. He was substituted at half-time as the visitors looked for a more direct attacking outlet.
Also poor: Konstantinos Mavropanos. Despite winning the ball before Stuttgart made it 1-1, he was otherwise off the pace of the match.
Getty ImagesBayern Munich Ratings: Defence
Manuel Neuer (6/10):
He saved a dangerous open play effort, which he had to parry. He didn't always look very satisfied with his defenders and made that clear a few times. Helpless when it came to the late penalty.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Grew into the game. While he was cautious to start with, he gradually dared to get forward more as the game continued. Got the assist for Bayern's second goal.
Dayot Upamecano – (8/10):
As he has been all season, he was assured and didn't make any mistakes. He spent plenty more time on the ball than De Ligt. It's been a big improvement for him from last year.
Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):
A rather quiet performance in the heart of the defence until the latter stages. He conceded the penalty which cost Bayern two points after stepping on Guirassy's foot in the box.
Alphonso Davies (6/10):
Tried to dribble past opponents constantly but was often unable to beat his man. Defensively, he was decent but looked very anxious going forward in one-on-one situations. Made the poor pass that led to Stuttgart's first strike. His rating is boosted by his assist for the opening goal.
Getty ImagesMidfield & Attack
Joshua Kimmich (5/10):
Far from his best. Lost the ball surprisingly often and got lucky that that Stuttgart's initial equaliser – which came from his mistake – was ruled out by VAR.
Leon Goretzka (5/10):
Back in the starting XI after injury and he was committed to stamping his authority on the match. However, he wasn't able to have the impact that he hoped for. He didn't see enough of the ball inside the first hour.
Thomas Muller (4/10):
Pressed very well as always but his attacking work was limited. He didn't have a single shot in the game despite leading the line.
Jamal Musiala (6/10):
Lost the ball on a number of occasions. He tried to do too much on the ball and his loss of possession led to Stuttgart's equaliser. Although, he was able to make amends for that with a brilliant goal to make it 2-1.
Serge Gnabry (4/10):
Like Muller, he hardly got involved throughout the game. He had four shots but only one of any significance.
Mathys Tel (8/10):
He was much more effective on the ball than his attacking team-mates and his goal made him Bayern's youngest ever Bundesliga goalscorer.
