Bayern Munich 5-1 Koln: Player ratings as Bavarians get back to winning ways in the Bundesliga

An Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting goal and braces from Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski helped Bayern Munich get back to winning ways in the Bundesliga with a 5-1 hrashing of struggling Koln at the Allianz Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The Bundesliga leaders looked comfortable from early doors and made their dominance count on 18 minutes when Leon Goretzka's floated cross was met by Choupo-Moting, who nodded home from close range. The lead was doubled in style just after the half hour mark when Lewandowski played the ball into Goretzka, who turned and nutmegged his defender before poking the ball back into the path of the Pole striker to slot the ball into Timo Horn's bottom corner.

Hansi Flick's side were dealt a blow just four minutes into the second half when a woeful mix up between Jerome Boateng and David Alaba allowed Ellyes Skhiri to steal in and drive through the box before lifting the ball over the onrushing Manuel Neuer.

The Bavarians regained their composure and eventually restored the two goal cushion on 65 minutes when, 30 seconds after coming on, Thomas Muller picked the ball up in midfield and slotted in Lewandowski, who finished calmly to make it 3-1. Flick's side then made it 4-1 with ten to go when Lucas Hernandez crossed in for fellow substitute Gnabry to tap in. The German then got his brace three minutes later to make it 5-1 with a close range header from another Goretzka cross.

Right, let's get to the Bayern Munich player ratings...

Bayern Munich player ratings

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Manuel Neuer (GK) - 5/10 - Was once again let down by the players in front of him for the Cologne goal. Uncharacteristically made a horrible error outside the box too however, nearly gifting Cologne a second.

Niklas Sule (RB) - 8/10 - Another great performance from the man who's supposed to be a centre back. Got forward really well, making three key passes and was very close to scoring an absolute screamer in the first half with his piledriver of a shot hitting the stanchion.

Jerome Boateng (CB) - 5/10 - In truth had very little defending to do, making just a couple of ball recoveries. But played a terrible part in the visitors' goal, failing to take charge of the situation.

David Alaba (CB) - 6/10 - The Austrian was also at fault for that goal, looking equally as confused at the prospect of the ball being anywhere near his own penalty area. In fairness to him though, he also made a couple of vital clearances and blocks in the box and played out from the back well.

Alphonso Davies (LB) - 8/10 - A threat going forward as usual, and tracked back really well and energetically. Kept tabs on his opposition perfectly, making seven ball recoveries.

2. Midfielders

Joshua Kimmich (CM) - 8/10 - Was the link between defence and attack, putting in a good defensive shift with two interceptions and constantly looking ahead of him and looking creative when he had the ball at his feet.

Leon Goretzka (CM) - 9/10 - Simply outstanding. A rock when tasked with defending and had massive influence going forward, getting a brilliant hat-trick of assists.

Jamal Musiala (AM) - 6/10 - Seems to glide past opposition players easily, but needs to work on his end product, having lost the ball eight times before coming off.

3. Forwards

Leroy Sane (RW) - 7/10 - Looked sharp from the outset, playing a crucial part in the first and fourth goals with fantastic feet and constantly troubled the Cologne backline.

Robert Lewandowski (ST) - 8/10 - Didn't have too many touches of the ball, but was as clinical as ever, scoring two first-time finishes to reach 28 Bundesliga goals for the season.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (LW) - 7/10 - A real step up from recent showings. Was heavily involved in Bayern's forward moves, linking up play and holding the ball up well and even grabbed his first league goal of the season for the opener.

4. Substitutes

Thomas Muller (AM) - 7/10 - Definition of an impact sub. Grabbed his 11th league assist of the season for Bayern's third seconds after coming on.

Serge Gnabry (LW) - 8/10 - Played a part in the third as well, dummying nicely to let the ball run into the path of Muller and scored Bayern's fourth and fifth goals from close range - fantastic cameo.

Lucas Hernandez (LB) - 7/10 - Provided a lovely cross for the fourth goal and didn't make a defensive mistake- something that seems to be rare in this Bayern side.

Javi Martinez (CM) - N/A

Tiago Dantas (RW) - N/A