still a long way to go but they have to be favorites for 2nd place surely
They are far and away a top2 team so far if we go by actual performances, and they’re already 8/10 points ahead of Leipzig/Dortmund.
Leverkusen is also overperforming a lot. 4.3 points behind Bayern at xPoints. https://understat.com/league/Bundesliga
Top clubs typically overperform their xG and xGa (and thus their xPts) by quite a bit because they have the best strikers and keepers. So what Leverkusen is doing is actually in line with the quality of their squad, it’s Bayern which is actually underperforming due to defensive lapses in key moments. This notion is also confirmed by Bayern’s fantastic GD.
According to Understat, Bayern is also overperforming
By 1.42 points, which is perfectly normal. Like I said, top clubs typically overperform their xPoints by a bit. Leverkusen, by contrast, is overperforming by a whooping 7.72 points according to understat.
It must be frustrating to pull out such a historically epic start and still be just 2pts ahead of Bayern.
Something similar happening in Turkey?
The most funny part is that the Bayern record of 31/33 points , Xabi Alonso was part of that squad that did that under Pep Guardiola. And now he is doing it as a coach. So he is getting this as a player and as a coach.
Cracking start. However, Bayern still has the best offence and defence and is only two points behind.
Remains to be seen how long they can keep up the levels cause Bayern is looking better and better as the season progresses.
We have a way better midfield tho. They don’t have a single good DM and we have 3. Our defense has been better than theirs too I’ll say
Our defense has been better than theirs too I’ll say
That’s fine but I don’t know you can make a legit argument for it.
Shots conceded/90:
Bayern : 8.64
Leverkusen: 9.82
Shots on target conceded/90:
Bayern: 2.09
Leverkusen: 4.00
xG Against:
Bayern: 8.90
Leverkusen: 11.3
Better in what way?
Yeah Leverkusen looks extremely solid and has a balanced squad which Bayern doesnt for some time now. However teams will start to adjust to Leverkusen more especially after the winter and injuries can easily spoil the fun. Generally however Leverkusen looks like the strongest contender Bayern had since Dortmund 10 years ago.