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Bayern crushed their title rivals in styleJust like numerous other of their games this season, Bayern Munich brushed aside Borussia Dortmund 5-1 thereby opening up a seven-point lead at the top of the table. Early season predictions of Dortmund challenging for the title seem to have gone up in smoke. Bayern are clearly running away with the league title at this point. It will take a lot to stop them this season.Here’s looking at the five talking points from the game.
#1 Touchel\'s Starting XI
A major surprise in Thomas Touchel’s starting eleven was the exclusion of German international Marco Reus. Reus was injured for the major part of last season but has started the current campaign on a high. He has been instrumental in his side’s high-flying start to the season.
For the majority of the first half, Shinji Kagawa was virtually non-existent. He hardly created any chances nor did he complete any significant passes. Had Reus been playing in that position, things could well have been different. The former Gladbach man has the speed and the creativity to shine on the big occasion. Along with that, he has the experience of playing such a high voltage game and has consistently done well against Bayern.
There is no denying that Kagawa is a great player but in this game, Marco Reus could well have made the difference for Dortmund.
#2 Is Coman Bayern\'s trump card?
Bayern were dominant and brushed aside their opponents against Dortmund. But fans would argue that their side has put in better performances this season. In fact, recently they have started playing at a different level altogether. A major reason behind that has been the influence of Kingsley Coman.
Nineteen-year-old Kingsley Coman was signed on loan from Juventus and since then has been a revelation. He has been brilliant down the right. His swift runs, fancy footwork and perfect crossing has made him a darling of the Bayern fans.
Against Dortmund, Bayern somehow missed that influence down the right wing. Mario Gotze was effective scoring a goal and assisting one. But he also missed an absolute sitter. Coman on his part has quickly built up a good rapport with striker Robert Lewandowski which Gotze looked to be lacking. He came on for the last ten minutes against Dortmund and was exciting to watch.
Pep Guardiola has signed some big players this summer but Coman could well be the trump card.
#3 Should Alaba have been sent off?
The Bavarians did go on to win the game but very early in the game, they could have been down to 10 men. Early in the first half, Gabonese Aubameyang raced past David Alaba with a chance on goal only to have been fouled by the Austrian.
Replays showed that the Dortmund striker was the last man and would have had an opportunity to shoot at goal. The freekick was given but Guardiola’s men would be thanking their stars that nothing more than a yellow card was given to Alaba.
A red card early on would have completely changed the complexion of the game and put Bayern under pressure. Alaba has always had a problem dealing with speed and Aubameyang completely exploited that. There is no doubt though that Dortmund fans will look back on that decision that could have had a profound impact on the game.
#4 Have BVB run out of steam?
Thomas Touchel replaced Juergen Klopp at the start of the season and since then has been brilliant. His arrival has energized the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang who have put in sensational performances this season. Reus has also been in good form as the side notched up a couple of wins early on.
But over the past few weeks, there have been problems. Two consecutive draws and the thrashing at the hands of Bayern and things just don’t look great for Touchel’s men. Dortmund have played quite a number of games this season and that seems to be the problem. On a number of occasions against Bayern, the players looked tired. That coupled with the strategy of playing a high line contributed to Dortmund’s demise.
Dortmund had started well and many believed that they would challenge Bayern for the Bundesliga title. But on the basis of the performance at the Allianz Arena and the last few weeks, there is no denying that the team have run out of steam.
#5 Bayern are the team to beat
Led by Robert Lewandowski’s incredible performances, Bayern Munich have stamped their authority both in Germany and in Europe this season. Apart from that early season Super Cup defeat against Wolfsburg, there hasn’t been a single blemish for the team this season.
Unlike some of the other top sides in Europe, Bayern have hit the ground running right from the word go. The likes of Costa, Vidal and Coman have been blend in really nicely. Not only have Guardiola’s men won games but they have ruthlessly destroyed opponents.
Currently, the likes of Robben and Ribery are out with injuries but the manner in which Bayern have been going about their business this season, they do not look to be missing them. Adding to the performances of the top players, youngsters like Rode and Kimmich have been effective as well.
Exciting times lie ahead for you if you happen to be a Bayern Munich fan.
