Vincent Kompany backs Nicolas Jackson as striker delivers in Bayern win

Jackson, filling in for Harry Kane, netted Bayern's fourth goal and produced an energetic display despite recent criticism about his limited playing time. The Senegal international had scored only once in his previous five Bundesliga starts before the match.

Kompany made it clear he believes the scrutiny around the forward has been unfair.

"He played very well today," the Bayern coach said. "Since I arrived, I've noticed that when everything is going well with the team, people try to single out one or two players without any reason. The guy has done nothing wrong."

Kompany pointed out that Jackson's attitude in training has been exemplary.

"He has trained extremely well and he has won the Africa Cup of Nations," he added. "But somehow there are always stories about him. Last season it was Serge Gnabry or Kingsley Coman. Now it's Nicolas Jackson. The reality is that our dressing room is calm."

Bayern's win kept their Bundesliga title push firmly on track. After a recent 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund, Kompany's side produced another strong performance to secure a fifth consecutive league win.

The hosts opened the scoring when Luis Diaz volleyed home after a clever pass from Leon Goretzka. Bayern doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time when Diaz squared the ball for Konrad Laimer to fire into the far corner.

After the break, Gladbach were reduced to ten men when Rocco Reitz brought down Jackson through on goal. Jamal Musiala converted the resulting penalty for his first league goal of the season after returning from injury.

Jackson then capped his performance by turning in a low cross from Lennart Karl to make it four. Gladbach grabbed a late consolation when teenager Wael Mohya became the club's youngest Bundesliga scorer after reacting quickest to a rebound.

The victory left Bayern 14 points clear at the top after matchday 25. Kompany's team now turn their focus to the UEFA Champions League, where they face Atalanta BC in the Round of 16 first leg on Tuesday.

For Kompany, Jackson's display was the perfect response to the noise around him.

"When Harry Kane plays in your position it is not easy," he said. "But Nico showed his quality tonight and hopefully he will do it again soon."

READ MORE: Springbok alignment camp leaves Rassie Erasmus excited for the season ahead