Arjen Robben Shines For Bayern Munich

Out of sorts Bayern Munich maintained their three-point lead atop the Bundesliga with a jittery 2-1 win at Werder Bremen.

It all looked plain sailing when quality strikes from Arjen Robben and David Alaba gave the Bavarians a two-goal advantage at the break. But German international Max Kruse reduced the arrears on 53 minutes to give the home side hope.

Seeking a fifth Bundesliga title on the trot, Bayern’s second half performance was more perspiration rather than inspiration but they held on to their narrow lead to seal a record 13th win in a row against beleaguered Bremen.

Aided by a rampant Robben, Bayern sealed a seventh straight league win to keep nearest challengers RB Leipzig at bay.

Leading 2-0, Bayern clearly thought the job was done by half-time. Slow and ponderous after the break, they conceded their first goal in two and half years against Bremen on the counter attack. In the end, the defending champions were very grateful to hang on to a fortuitous three points.

Manager rating out of 10

5 — Carlo Ancelotti took off Bayern’s best player in Robben to give Bremen the wrong signal that his side were going on the defensive.

GK Manuel Neuer, 7 — The ever-present goalkeeper impressed with a couple of smart saves from Serge Gnabry, although he had no chance of stopping Kruse’s clinical finish.

DF David Alaba, 7 — Alaba always looks more comfortable roaming the left flank paired with Franck Ribery rather than Douglas Costa. The Austrian crowned a decent performance with a majestic free-kick to double the lead on the stroke of half time — his first Bundesliga goal of the season. Loses a point for being outwitted by Kruse for the home side’s goal.

DF Javi Martinez, 7 — Bayern’s record signing continues to impress in central defence while Jerome Boateng’s comeback bid hots up.

DF Mats Hummels, 7 — Held firm as Bayern came under the cosh during a ropy second half.

DF Philipp Lahm, 7 — Nothing special, just a typically solid, dependable, Lahm-like display.

MF Xabi Alonso, 6 — There’s still plenty of life in the 35-year-old midfield, who still hasn’t officially retired despite recent reports. Especially impressive in the opening period but struggled like the rest of his colleagues to combat battling Bremen’s fierce challenge.

MF Joshua Kimmich, 6 — The German wunderkind enjoyed a rare start after five straight substitute appearances, taking advantage of Arturo Vidal’s absence to put on a sound display in midfield. Kimmich was on the receiving hand of some crunching tackles, most notably from Santiago Garcia. He gave the ball away too often, but still had enough in the tank for Bayern’s last chance of the match when denied by Felix Wiedwald.

MF Franck Ribery, 7 — After three substitute appearances in a row, the 33-year-old Frenchman was preferred on the left wing ahead of Costa following the Brazilian’s tepid display in Freiburg. Ribery provided a perfect cutback for his old wing partner Robben to open the scoring — his seventh assist in 13 games. Ribery also had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half as Bayern threatened to run riot. Replaced by Costa as his influence waned in the face of Bremen’s fightback.

MF Arjen Robben, 8 — Robben’s dazzling afternoon of work was cruelly cut short after only 65 minutes by Ancelotti despite a man-of-the-match display. He had fired Bayern into an undeserved lead with a clinical left-footed strike into the corner, his sixth goal in 12 Bundesliga games. He also had decent claims for a penalty in each half; his reputation for going down a little too easily in the box arguably didn’t help his cause. Bayern struggled terribly without him in a jittery last 25 minutes.

MF Thomas Muller, 5 — Another largely anonymous display before being put out of his misery when replaced by Sanches. Muller’s only positive was ducking the ball that cleverly blocked the keeper’s view on Alaba’s exquisite strike.

FW Robert Lewandowski, 6 — Kept up his proud record as the only Bayern outfield player to have featured in every Bundesliga game this season. Kneed in the back at the end of the first half, which seemed to reduce his effectiveness, showing none of the brilliance of Freiburg last Friday. That said, Lewandowski might have won a penalty just after Bremen had reduced the arrears when he appearing to be the meat in the sandwich in the box.

Substitutes

MF Renato Sanches, 5 — “Golden Boy” Sanches replaced the disappointing Muller just after the hour mark. Indecisive overall, only catching the eye when dilly-dallying well into his own half as Bayern made life ultra-difficult for themselves.

MF Kingsley Coman, 6 — Coman came on for the impressive Robben with 25 minutes remaining. On his first appearance since injuring his ankle while on international duty with France in November, he understandably made less of an impact than the “Flying Dutchman,” picking up a yellow card for a tactical foul in the final seconds of the game.

MF Douglas Costa, NR — Replaced Ribery for the final twelve minutes as Bayern just about scrambled to a precious three points.