Bayern Munich Drop Two Bundesliga Points

Despite goals from the returning Arjen Robben and rising star Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich let slip a lead for the second straight Bundesliga game, drawing 2-2 away at 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt.

Positives

Kimmich’s rich vein of goal-scoring form continues, Robben crowned his return from injury with a goal and Renato Sanches turned in a slightly improved display from recent weeks.

Negatives

Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side “were asleep for the first 45 minutes,” looking slow and ponderous for long periods. Bayern also looked vulnerable in defence throughout, their fragility was summed up by Eintracht’s untidy equaliser against just 10 men. Without a win in three games, this is a crisis in Bayern terms and their worst run of results in 18 months.

Manager rating out of 10

6 — The Italian maestro remains unbeaten in the Bundesliga but lost points against another unfancied side. He has work to do and has promised changes to cure his side’s “bad attitude.” On a positive note, Ancelotti gets an extra point for having the good sense to go onto the pitch to try and pacify players from both sides during an unsightly mass melee.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Manuel Neuer, 6 — Didn’t have many saves to make and couldn’t do anything to prevent both goals — the first time he’s been breached twice in a single game this season.

DF David Alaba, 6 — The Austrian isn’t as effective without the injured enfant terrible Franck Ribery on the left. Laid on Robben’s opener but allowed U.S. international Timmy Chandler too much time to provide the cross-shot for the equaliser.

DF Jerome Boateng, 6 — Reunited at last at the club level with his World Cup-winning central defensive partner Hummels, but somehow their pairing didn’t gel particularly well today. Frankfurt were able to fire off 13 shots on goal, a huge number for Bayern to allow.

DF Mats Hummels, 7 — The pick of the Bayern defenders with some Beckenbauer-esque long-range passing, including an exquisite pass to Kingsley Coman which the Frenchman fluffed. Also set up Kimmich’s goal that should have won the game.

DF Philipp Lahm, 6 — Enjoyed his 311th Bundesliga game for Bayern, overtaking club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Solid and sound from the skipper as ever, but he also bemoaned his side on the final whistle for “failing to give 100 percent.” Picked up a rare yellow card as even the mild-mannered skipper grew increasingly frustrated by his team’s tepid display.

MF Xabi Alonso, 6 — The 34-year-old struggled to impose himself amid a very disjointed first half, only catching the eye with a series of misplaced passes. He also picked up a caution for a rude foul and was withdrawn at the interval, presumably as a precaution to prevent him from being sent off.

MF Joshua Kimmich, 7 — After waiting 39 games for his first goal, the versatile 21-year-old German international now has a remarkable six in his past seven Bayern games, restoring Bayern’ lead with a very Thomas Muller-like goal to poke home from close range in a sea of bodies. Not as lively as in recent weeks, but he can’t stop scoring.

MF Thiago, 6 — Started the game superbly with a string of delicious passes but failed to kick on. As Bayern struggled, Thiago’s influence on the game also waned.

MF Kingsley Coman, 5 — The 20-year-old Frenchman, another Golden Boy contender like teammate Sanches, is having a poor season and he fluffed three gilt-edged chances to win the game today. Coman has the speed and talent to destroy defences but hasn’t been the same player under Ancelotti this season.

MF Arjen Robben, 7 — After recovering from a rib injury, the “Flying Dutchman” crowned his second start since March with a left-footed goal from an impossible angle, which went in off the post in the 10th minute. It all looked so rosy, but his impact wore off as the game progressed, and he was replaced by Rafinha as Ancelotti looked to close shop (to no avail).

FW Thomas Muller, 6 — It was definitely a case of perspiration but not enough inspiration for Muller. He toiled industriously and sported a cut eye for most of the game after coming off second best in an early challenge. Chances wouldn’t fall for him in the box, and he still hasn’t found the back of the net in the league this season.

Substitutes

MF Renato Sanches, 6 — The Golden Boy favourite replaced Alonso, who is 15 years his senior, at the break. Sanches began the second half with purpose, putting in some barnstorming runs from midfield. But as the game got heated, Sanches got involved in the tetchiness and his play became ragged, totting up a succession of unnecessary fouls and poor passing.

FW Robert Lewandowski, 6 — Came on for Coman after Bayern had just taken the lead. The Poland striker headed his best chance narrowly wide with time running out. His goal drought continues with no goals in five games for Bayern.

DF Rafinha, NR — Replaced Robben with a quarter of an hour to play with Ancelotti trying (and failing) to protect the lead.