Augsburg 2-2 Bayern Munich: Takeaways from matchday 5 of the Bundesliga
Bayern Munich have endured a quiet start to the season compared to the high standards they have set themselves under Vincent Kompany in the last two years. They remain unbeaten in the league, but there have drawn two games which they should have ideally won.
Die Roten dropped points for the second time this season on Saturday as Augsburg held them to a 2-2 draw. Bayern gave away a cheap goal in the first minute, courtesy of a mistake from Manuel.
The defending champions managed to claw their way back in the game early in the second half, but the hosts stunned them again to regain the lead. Die Roten scored late in the game to salvage a draw.
Bayern had the chance to go top of the league table since Borussia Dortmund had dropped points on Friday. The result on Saturday ensured Die Roten remain second in the Bundesliga. Let us look at the key takeaways from Bayern’s performance on matchday five of the Bundesliga.
Luis Diaz looked closer to his best
The international break gave Luis Diaz time to recuperate after a gruelling 12 months of football for club and country. The Colombian played non-stop football for club and country. The fatigue certainly impacted his start to the new season with Bayern. After reaching an agreement with the Colombian football association, Diaz decided to opt out of the four games during the international break.
Resting for three weeks has certainly worked for the former Liverpool forward. He looked closer to his best against Augsburg. The 29-year-old created 5 chances, which was the highest by a player on the pitch.
He was accurate with his passes, boasting a pass completion rate of 92%. Diaz continued to work tirelessly out of possession. The Colombian was unfortunate to have an acrobatic goal chalked off early in the second half due to offside. He also created the big chance late in the game for Serge Gnabry. Unfortunately, the German forward struck the woodwork instead of bundling the ball into the net.
Diaz was not on the scoresheet against Augsburg, but his performance was very encouraging. In no time, he will be back amongst goals and assists.
Ismael Saibari and Nathaniel Brown have seamlessly settled at Bayern
Bayern were very efficient with their transfer business in the summer. They completed all three signings before the start of the pre-season tour of Asia. Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari were signed for a combined €110 million from Eintracht Frankfurt and PSV Eindhoven, respectively. Die Roten also made Bara Sapoko Ndiaye’s move permanent after he impressed during his loan spell last season.
Ndiaye is more of a signing for the future. Brown and Saibari were expected to hit the ground running. They have certainly done that with ease.
Saibari excelled for Bayern against Augsburg in the number ten role. The Moroccan was handed a start in the absence of Jamal Musiala. Saibari combined well with the attacking players in the final third. He scored the crucial equaliser to bring Die Roten back in the game. It was not a vintage performance for a number ten, but Saibari still managed to make an impact and score the crucial goal.
Meanwhile, Brown came on in the second half and scored the crucial second goal to help Bayern salvage a point. The German left-back replaced Saibari in the number ten position. Brown has made the most of the opportunities he has had this season.
Considering the impact Saibari and Brown are having on the pitch, Bayern chiefs will be pleased with the way they got them for reasonable fees in the summer.
Alphonso Davies cementing his place in starting XI
After a frustrating last 12 months due to injury issues, Alphons Davies is finally building momentum and getting closer to his best. Davies was one of Bayern’s better players against Augsburg on Saturday.
The Canadian was exceptional with the ball, creating two chances and completing 51 of 54 passes he attempted on the pitch. Davies took up very promising positions in the final third and linked up well with Luis Diaz on the left flank throughout the game.
From a defensive perspective, Davies was rock solid on the left flank. He made five recoveries in the game and was dribbled past only once in the game. The Canadian also won 75% of his duels in the game.
Bayern chiefs will be pleased to see how Davies has responded to the signing of Brown. The German defender was brought in as a competitor for the left-back role. Davies has stepped up and improved his performances to ensure he remains Die Roten’s first-choice left-back under Vincent Kompany this season.
The performance of Davies against Augsburg will certainly give Vincent Kompany hardly any selection headache in the left-back position.
Stats courtesy- Fotmob
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