Harry Kane is arguably the finest goalscorer in Europe, but the FC Bayern man knows that a striker is only as good as his supply line. "I'm delighted it's going so well for me," he said after scoring again in the 3-1 win at Mainz. "But credit goes to the guys, who support me so well. It's a great feeling."
Harry Kane celebrates with Leon Goretzka, who set up his goal before scoring himself.
Kane now has nine goals to show for his first eight Bundesliga appearances. Historically, only three players have reached the same tally in fewer games: Gert Dörfel and Paco Alcácer did it in seven, Erling Haaland six. However, the stats suggest Bayern's new No.9 is only just getting started. In his last five Bundesliga outings alone, the England star has had a direct hand in nine goals (six of his own, plus three assists).
Praise for teammates
Bayern No.11 Kingsley Coman broke the deadlock in the 11th minute.
Although Kane's responsible for the biggest share of Bayern's league-leading 26 goals, the record champions are no one-man band. "Leroy Sané has started the season well. It's fun to play with him, but also with the other guys like Thomas Müller and Kingsley Coman," acknowledged Kane.
Next Müller milestone
Kane's not speaking in platitudes, either. Sané's assist for Coman ensured the Germany international has contributed at least one goal in each of his last six away Bundesliga fixtures dating back to last season (five goals and two assists in total). Coman added to his brace against Freiburg, while the 34-year-old Müller underlined his continued value to the cause with win number 323 - a new Bundesliga record for an individual player - on his 449th appearance.
And not forgetting Leon Goretzka. Playing through the pain of a nagging ankle injury, the Bayern midfielder followed up his assist for Kane with his team's third goal. "Leon played really well against Freiburg and again today," commented head coach Thomas Tuchel. "He trained well and delivered in the game once more."
Thanks in no small part to the combined efforts of Kane & Co., Bayern's 20-point return after eight matches is their best at this stage of a Bundesliga season for seven years. Carrying that attacking momentum into their UEFA Champions League game away to Galatasaray is next on the agenda. "The team deserves a lot of praise," enthused Tuchel. "Now we'll try to go one better on Tuesday."
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