Bayern Munich 4-0 FC Koln: 4 Talking Points

Bayern Munich would probably have won even if FC Koln weren't a man down for 30 minutes, but they showed some real dominance in shutting them down after the visitors showed some signs of life.

Two goals from Robert Lewandowski at the start of both halves put Bayern firmly in the driving seat. Although Koln threatened for a short spell to take the game to Bayern, they weren't able to create too many real chances to trouble Manuel Neuer in goal.

Bayern were able to wrest control in midfield with Corentin Tolisso, Joshua Kimmich, and Philippe Coutinho combining. Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez were also keen to step up and support their midfielders, which caused a few problems with the likes of Jhon Cordoba finding spaces in behind, but Bayern managed to keep them at bay.

Once the German champions had the man advantage, they really pushed Koln back, and the score could've been worse for them. The visitors will have complaints about the sending off, but not about the result.

Joshua Kimmich stellar in midfield

Kimmich in midfield gives Bayern a new dynamic

Niko Kovac's decision to play Kimmich through the middle hasn't come out of the blue, we have seen that he's capable of good performances there under Pep Guardiola. Nonetheless, Bayern play a different system under Kovac, and his role would change accordingly.

The young right-back had a fantastic season for the German Champions last season. Given that he was sensational at right-back, Kovac's decision to switch him to central midfield could have backfired. But Kimmich looked absolutely at home and showed that especially in games where Bayern are expected to dominate possession, he's an excellent midfield option.

The system is questionable with Kimmich and Tolisso playing against big teams, but that's perhaps a test for the future.

Bayern's Plan B

Coutinho is really starting to feel at home in Munich

Perhaps another advantage of Kimmich playing centrally, with Philippe Coutinho ahead of him is that it gives Bayern Munich a different dimension. The Bavarians have a largely wing-focussed attack and that continues to be the case but as they displayed in this game, they're able to change focus and play a bit through the middle.

Coutinho and Kimmich actually combined for the opening goal scored by Lewandowski. With Kimmich and Tolisso sitting behind him, Coutinho also has the license to roam and link-up play in different areas. If those three can carry forward this understanding to future games, teams will find it more difficult than usual to play Bayern Munich.

Once Lewandowski and Coutinho went off, Gnabry started to combine with Muller offering a different dimension as well. Although more focused on the wings as Bayern usually are, it was still a slight tweak to the system. It seems like Kovac is really starting to give this team some layers which will be useful as the season progresses.

Lewandowski clinical

Lewandowski does it every week for Bayern Munich, but he should get credit for being able to score consistently despite fewer chances created

Sure, this happens pretty much every week. Robert Lewandowski has 9 goals in 5 games for Bayern Munich. That's a record-equalling tally for the first five games, so this is just an expectation now, right? But the 4-0 scoreline conveniently hides the fact that Bayern created precious little until about the 60th minute.

The Polish striker go two clear chances and he took them both. Bayern kicked it up a notch after the penalty and sending off, beginning to create more, but Lewandowski should get credit for putting away his chances when he did.

The home side were under some pressure towards the end of the first half and the start of the second half as Koln threatened to get back into the game. It was Lewandowski's goals that deflated the Koln bubble and allowed Bayern time on the ball to then build from midfield.

Perisic fits the system

Perisic plays a similar role for Croatia

Ivan Perisic now has two goals for Bayern Munich in two league appearances. There's little chance that he extends that run for more than a few games, but he's making an impressive case in his initial days at the club.

Bayern's system under Kovac allows the wingers to go out wide as well as come inside and take on defenders. Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry made most appearances for Bayern in those positions last season, however, Perisic seems the most naturally suited to that role.

He has plenty of experience playing in a similar role for Inter Milan and Croatia. He also perhaps offers more of a goal threat than Coman. It also allows Lucas Hernandez to pump in crosses on the overlap; something he does well. Given that Kimmich and Tolisso can cover most counter-attacks as sitting midfielders, Perisic's tendency to drift inside and link up with Coutinho and Lewandowski may be just what Bayern need.