Despite the meagre 1-0 scoreline, Bayern Munich made light work of “bogey side” Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, don’t let Bayern’s single goal mislead you. This was a game with many chances… for Bayern at least.
Die Fohlen, were lucky to be defeated by just a one goal margin as, according to Sofascore, Bayern produced 4.28 xG (expected goals) opposed to Gladbach’s 0.35 xG. This paints a fairly straightforward picture of Bayern’s ability to put the ball in the back of the net on the evening.
It’s no surprise then that Bayern goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, was grateful for Harry Kane – the one person who seemingly did not forget how to put the ball in the back of the net.
In an interview with ransport’s Martin Volkmar, the 38-year-old shot-stopper showered the Three Lion’s captain with praise, while highlighting the striker’s impressive penalty streak (via @iMiaSanMia).
“We need Harry, we know that. He’s not just a brilliant striker from the penalty spot, but also in the box. He opens up a lot of space and the scoring chances we create are often thanks to him, even when he’s supposedly not involved. And I think it was fitting for the game [Gladbach] that it had to be a penalty by him. Harry now has a great streak [26 penalties in a row] and is simply a weapon for us,” Neuer remarked.
26 Penalties in a row is an impressive record to say the least, but Kane still has a ways to go to dethrone former Albania midfielder, Ledio Pano, who still holds the record for the longest penalty streak of all time at 50 plus having never missed a spot-kick in his 15 year long career.
Streak aside, Neuer is right. Kane’s importance to Bayern is paramount.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis of Bayern Munich’s 1-0 win over Gladbach? Awesome, then react to the victory with us on the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show! The episode is available on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
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