Harry Kane made it 13 goals in just seven games this season as the Bayern Munich star's hat-trick secured his team a thumping 4-1 win at Hoffenheim. The striker scored one from a corner and two penalties to stretch the German giants' lead at the top of the Bundesliga. Former West Ham ace Vladimir Coufal pulled a goal back before substitute Serge Gnabry restored their three-goal cushion at the death.
Bayern show their class
Bayern had an uncomfortable start to the game when Fisnik Asllani's strike hit the outside of the post, before Manuel Neuer was forced into two smart stops. But the England captain dug them out of a hole again when he perfectly swept in 17-year-old Lennart Karl's fizzed-in corner in the 44th minute.
At the other end, Wouter Burger poked wide for the hosts, and then Kim Min-jae expertly denied Muhammed Damar just before the half-time whistle. Albian Hajdari was then penalised for handball after Sacha Boey's shot hit his leg, and then his arm, and Kane scored three minutes after the interval to put Bayern in control.
Kane was on hand again to score from the spot 13 minutes from time after Michael Olise was brought down in the box by Bernardo, before the home team grabbed a consolation when Coufal's shot hit Joshua Kimmich and past Neuer in the 82nd minute. #
Gnabry added a fourth in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time as Bayern maintained their perfect start to the campaign.
AdvertisementAFPMVP: A masterclass from Kane
Who else but Kane? The 32-year-old has, remarkably, been involved in 11 goals in just four Bundesliga games this season. The England ace does not appear to be slowing down despite seemingly being in the autumn years of his career.
The big loser: An injury concern
On a day when Bayern eased to a comfortable victory, manager Vincent Kompany may be concerned that Kim went off injured just over 20 minutes before the end. He had to be helped from the field and Dayot Upamecano replaced him. Bayern don't have a big squad so this could be a big concern.
Getty Images SportBayern's next fixture
Kane and Bayern will hope they can continue this excellent start to the campaign when they host Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Friday, before rounding off the month away to Pafos in the Champions League on September 30.