Bayern go four clear with win over Augsburg

Bayern Munich 2-0 Augsburg
Goals: 1-0 Müller (53'), 2-0 Goretzka (90+1')

Bayern romped to a 6-0 win over Hoffenheim in their previous Bundesliga outing, but Augsburg put up much stiffer resistance in a frustrating first half for the defending champions. Alphonso Davies and Serge Gnabry showed moments of promise in possession, only to be crowded out by a swarm of Augsburg defenders in the wide areas. Teenaged striker Joshua Zirkzee - making his second Bundesliga start - led a lonely existence in the Robert Lewandowski role, and it wasn't until late in the half that David Alaba mustered the home side's first effort on goal - though the Austrian's effort was blocked. Müller went closer still on the stroke of half-time, but could not keep his half-volleyed effort from Gnabry's inch-perfect down.

Müller atoned for that miss soon after the restart with the opening goal. Jerome Boateng was allowed to advance into the Augsburg half and chip a trademark ball into the opposition area, where Bayern's chief provider side-footed home to break the deadlock. The league leaders might have added to their lead soon after, but Gnabry got right under Benjamin Pavard's flighted cross and sent his header over. Andreas Luthe thwarted Zirkzee and Philippe Coutinho, before Gnabry fizzed a shot wide when one-on-one. Manuel Neuer denied Florian Niederlechner an unlikely equaliser from point-blank range and Alfred Finnbogasson headed narrowly wide from the ensuing corner as Augsburg threatened to spoil the party. Niederlechner had a late goal ruled out for offside, before substitute Leon Goretzka combined with Gnabry to put the contest to bed in added time.

• Bayern are now unbeaten in 11 Bundesliga games, winning 10. The record champions are also unbeaten in their last 11 against Augsburg.
• Four points is Bayern's biggest lead over second place of the current season.
• Müller has registered six goals and 12 assists in 15 Bundesliga appearances under interim coach Hansi Flick. He has scored nine goals and provided seven assists in his 11 Bundesliga meetings with Augsburg.
• Boateng produced his first Bundesliga assist of the current campaign, and 19th overall.
• Goretzka scored his fourth Bundesliga goal of the season, and second in as many games from the bench.
• Bayern didn't register their first shot on goal until the 39th minute - their longest wait in a league match this season. It's over five years since Bayern only managed two first-half shots on a goal in a Bundesliga game at their Allianz Arena. However, they scored with their first attempt in the second period.

Watch: Davies: "We stick together as a team"

Bayern: Neuer (c) - Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Davies - Kimmich, Thiago (Martinez 85') - Gnabry, Müller, Coutinho (Hernandez 85') - Zirkzee (Goretzka 70')
Unused subs: Ulreich, Odriozola, Cuisance, Dajaku, Tolisso
Out: Coman (thigh), Lewandowski (knee), Perisic (ankle), Süle (torn ACL)
Coach: Hansi Flick

Augsburg: Luthe - Framberger, Jedvaj (Uduokhai 80'), Gouweleeuw (c), Iago - Richter, Khedira, Baier, Löwen (Finnbogason 75'), Max (Vargas 67') - Niederlechner
Unused subs: Koubek, Lichtsteiner, Suchy, Cordova, Gruezo, Hahn
Out: Giefer (foot), Götze (hip), Schieber (calf)
Coach: Martin Schmidt

Watch: Kimimch: "A scrappy win like that does us good"