VfB Stuttgart 1-3 Bayern Munich: 5 talking points as the Bavarians maintain their 2-point advantage at the top of the league | Bundesliga 2020-21

Bayern Munich struggled in phases against a well-prepared VfB Stuttgart side but eventually ran out 3-1 winners in what was another routine Bundesliga win. The victory sees the Bavarians retain their pole position in the league for yet another weekend.

Heading into this big-ticket fixture, Stuttgart sat eighth on the table and were within arms reach of the Europa League spots. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has been credited for Die Roten's return to the top division, as well as a decent showing so far this season, would have certainly fancied his side's chances after learning that prominent names like Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich would not making the trip.

However, it was not meant to be for the hosts, who succumbed to Bayern Munich's dominance. They didn't throw in the towel at any point, but a Robert Lewandowski in prime form and Kingsley Coman's coming-of-age as a quality winger was too hot to handle.

On this note, let us take a look at five talking points from the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

#5 Stuttgart take the lead against the run of play

Stuttgart's main man up front, all of 19 years, graduated from PSG's academy

Stuttgart, who have historically fared very poorly against Bayern Munich, took the lead in the 20th minute. Tanguy Coulibaly scored off a quick counter-attack, yet again exposing Bayern's defensive flaws.

The defending champions, who had the better of the opening exchanges, moved along expected lines. However, much credit should be given to Stuttgart, who were on the money from the word get-go, making life difficult for Hansi Flick's side.

#4 Bayern Munich's squad depth

Hansi Flick has a roster at his disposal most managers would envy

In a bunch of surprise decisions, Bayern Munich started World Cup winner Corentin Tollisso in midfield, with Jamal Musiala, Marc Roca and Tanguy Nianzou making the substitutes list.

Meanwhile, Douglas Costa added a third goal for the Bavarians barely minutes after coming on, putting the game beyond the hosts' reach. The goal was created by yet another substitute in Leroy Sane, who has been making these brilliant cameos a habit recently.

Such is the luxurious depth that Bayern Munich possess. While an improved VfB Stuttgart did put up a brave fight, the strength of Hansi Flick's squad as a whole outdid Pellegrino Matarazzo's side at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

#3 Stuttgart are no pushovers

VfB Stuttgart were no pushovers against Bayern Munich

This season, VfB Stuttgart have looked a completely different version of the one we have come to know over the years. Unbeaten in their last five games heading into this fixture, the hosts have notched sixteen goals in eight games.

This change in mentality was clearly seen against Bayern Munich as Stuttgart were excellent in the first half, going neck-to-neck with the record champions. Had VAR not ruled out a goal, many say Stuttgart deserved to be in the lead if they had been more clinical with the number of openings they created.

While this mojo wasn't seen much beyond half-time, the front three of Tanguy Coulibaly, Philipp Forster and Gonzalo Castro showed promise. This could be a sign of better things to come.

#2 Robert Lewandowski has some unfinished business

Another Golden Boot in the reckoning for Bayern Munich ace Robert Lewandowski?

With last season's Ballon d'Or being declared null and void due to the coronavirus, Robert Lewandowski must have truly felt robbed of an honor.

At 32, the Bayern Munich talisman is showing no signs of slowing down and looks set for another record-breaking season, even with young gun Erling Haaland breathing down his neck.

The Polish marksman scored from outside the box at the stroke of half-time, a slight deviation from his usual 'fox in the box' display, after hitting the woodwork early on in the game. However, goals are goals; the manner hardly matters to a man who is on a mission to add yet another feather to his cap.

#1 Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman - Man of the Match

Kingsley Coman has looked a different player since that Champions League final in August

At the time of writing, Kingsley Coman is Bayern Munich's best winger. The 24-year old is living up to the potential he showed as a teenager.

With the equaliser at Stuttgart, Coman has now scored for the third time in a row (in all competitions) and for the fifth time this season, only behind Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Mueller.

The winger is certainly making a strong case for a regular spot in Hansi Flick's XI, as well as in the French side for the upcoming Nations League and Euro championships.