Bayern Munich overcame RB Leipzig 2-1 at the Allianz Arena to prevent what would have been a demoralising third straight Bundesliga defeat—something that Der Rekordmeister have not done since 1991. However, earning three points would prove to be far from straightforward for the record champions.
A first half that saw both sides struggle to get out of first gear left many feeling as though the Allianz Arena would play host to another 0-0 draw between Bayern and Leipzig. Nevertheless, the unrelenting force that is Harry Kane proved far too strong for Marco Rose’s backline.
Two goals from the Englishman sandwiched Benjamin Šeško’s equaliser for Die Roten Bullen, who will feel hard done by for not taking a point away from the Allianz Arena. Regardless, Kane has now scored a remarkable 27 league goals in his debut season, breaking records for fun in the process.
While three points for Bayern will mean a significant amount more for their mentality than in the race for the Bundesliga title, it has still kept them within sight of Bayer Leverkusen. Leapfrogging Die Werkself at this stage of the season would be difficult, but without their star striker, catching them would be practically impossible.
Thomas Tuchel has paid the price for Bayern’s fortunes this season, with the head coach departing Bavaria in the summer. However, with fans claiming this to be the worst season in Bayern’s Bundesliga history, it is far from the case.
In the 1991/92 season, Bayern finished in 10th place, as Der Rekordmeister, for one season and one season alone, endured life as a mid-table side in Germany’s top flight. Regardless, even without Kane’s goals, they would not be near the bottom half of the table.
Nevertheless, the England captain’s goals have been crucial, making the difference in earning the record champions 15 points across the course of the season thus far. Therefore, without him, Bayern would be on 38 points, sitting in 6th place and three points behind Borussia Dortmund.
Undoubtedly not great, but far from the worst season in the club’s Bundesliga history. They would not be a mid-table side, but it would be hard to imagine that Tuchel would still be in charge if this were the case.
Either way, there has been an overreliance on Kane this season, and that is something that will need to be addressed in the summer. However, as to who it is that is required to solve that problem, it is yet to be seen, as Tuchel continues to do what he can with the little time he has left in charge to retain the Bundesliga title.
GGFN | Will Shopland
