It was a classy performance from Bayern Munich as the hosts dispatched Hertha Berlin with a comfortable 3-0 triumph to move atop the Bundesliga standings.
The Bavarians were in complete control from start to finish as they enjoyed the vast majority (76%) of possession and 16 shots on goal. Franck Ribery continued his good form with the opening goal in the first half but the chances seemed to dry up after that as Hertha tried their best to tighten their defence.
The away side’s attempts to shore up their defence was thwarted by their own players as their central defenders were punished for poor play by Thiago Alcantara who score Bayern’s second after the break.
What will be most enjoyable for the home supporters, however, will be the return of Arjen Robben from injury who marked his comeback with a classic Robben goal. The Dutchman did his usual cut inside and shoot trick as he scored his first for the season.
Hertha Berlin’s great start put to an end
Hertha have enjoyed a fine start to the Bundesliga with three consecutive wins that Bayern have now put a stop to.
The team from the German capital will take a small confidence hit after this match but there should be no problems in picking themselves up and continuing their excellent form prior.
Both goals in the second half were a result of poor errors from players as midfielder and defenders carelessly lost the ball in their ow half and even inside the penalty area. It is inexcusable to be making these sorts of errors and addressing this now will put them in good stead for the rest of the season.
Injury boost lifts Bayern
Bayern’s contingent of returnees including Philipp Lahm, David Alaba, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller were the key difference between the sides as Bayern seemed refreshed even while recovering from a recent illness outbreak.
More importantly, however, was the return of Arjen Robben. It was 200 days since the Dutchman made his last appearance for Bayern and he made sure to return with a bang. The 32-year-old has had a woeful past two years with injury but he did not show any signs of fatigue as he hopped around the field as if he had not aged at all. The spritely winger was already calling for penalties as soon as he came in and he received his reward for hard work as he picked up the ball in the box and curled it in from close range.
Robbery is back
Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery were one the most influential attacking duos in Bayern’s history, with many crediting the 2013 Champions League triumph to their input. Since that match at Wembley, it has been a long time since “Robbery” have played together as they’ve struggled for continuity.
But the start to this season has been immensely promising for the evergreen wingers. Ribery has been played almost every match showcasing his quality, while Robben has already made his return to the starting line-up.
Perhaps it is a long shot to say that the deadly duo are back as injury could strike at any time, but with both veterans playing and scoring it cannot be denied that they will be a much bigger threat this season than in the last few years for defenders in Germany and across Europe.
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