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AC Milan grabbed another big win on Thursday night, this time against European-hunting Como, away from home.
In a game where two unbeaten runs were at stake, many predicted a continuation of Milan’s recent troubles. For the first 40 minutes, it seemed it would occur too, with Oliver Kempf grabbing the first goal of the game.
However, a penalty on the stroke of half-time – converted by Christopher Nkunku – and a brace from Adrien Rabiot sealed the three points. Here are five things we learned from the game.
1. Maignan justifying his demands
It is not a shock at this point that the keeper was crucial once again for his side. He has found form following his poor year last season and is proving how important he is. Perhaps more importantly, too, why the Milan management needs to sort out his contract situation.
Mike made two impressive saves to deny Paz and also a fantastic save on Da Cunha’s header to keep Milan alive in the game in delicate situations. A true leader for his side, proving that last year was not the norm and that he is indeed world-class.
2. Improvement at the back
Milan indeed conceded a goal, the same as against Fiorentina and Genoa, but unlike the previous games, the Rossoneri actually faced a much stronger side this time around. So, managing to limit them was definitely an improvement.
Unfortunately, Davide Bartesaghi was, again, at fault on the goal after being at fault against Fiorentina as well. The youngster has had a dip in form, which is probably normal given his age. Nevertheless, Allegri does need to help the defender get into form, especially since Pervis Estupinan is not living up to the expectations either.
On the other hand, Matteo Gabbia, Fikayo Tomori and Koni De Winter did well enough to prevent even more danger. Fortunately for them, in the odd case that they made a mistake, Maignan was there to salvage the situation.
The biggest positive has to be De Winter, though, as he probably played his best game in red and black with good positioning and aerial dominance.
3. Rabiot saving the day
The Frenchman has been superb and is arguably the best transfer the Rossoneri made alongside Luka Modric, and he continued to prove this against Como.
With Como being all over them in the first half, the team drew lucky, as Rabiot used his body to win a penalty in the 45th minute, which was converted by Nkunku to bring the score level going into halftime.
Then in the second half, his work rate continued to be impressive. He managed to find himself in a dangerous position inside Como’s penalty box, and he did not disappoint when making the score 2-1 after a lovely finish.
The game was far from over, however, with Como having more than enough firepower to create trouble for Milan. It was again Rabiot taking the initiative, though, and in the 87th minute, he scored his second of the night.
What a performance by the Frenchman who came in the summer for just €7 million.
4. Nkunku improving slowly
Let’s be clear – Christopher Nkunku was really struggling throughout the game, with both him and Rafael Leao unable to really do much up front. The reasons for that were plenty. One being that Como really dictated the tempo, holding the ball for most of the game and pressing very high up the pitch.
In the end, Nkunku scored the equaliser by converting the penalty won by Rabiot and make no mistake, the pressure was definitely there for the Frenchman.
This goal builds on the one against Fiorentina and the brace against Hellas Verona. It is worth noting that he also had an assist against Sassuolo, and it’s fair to point out that he missed 2 games between then.
Having said that, his performances are certainly not flashy, but at least he’s getting on the scoresheet more regularly.
5. Crucial win for the team’s mentality
If you step back for a second, it’s obvious that the Diavolo were not playing their best football against Como and were actually struggling for the majority of the game.
Regardless of that, the fact that they managed to struggle and stay in the game against a very strong home side, playing good football, needs to be praised. The mentality the team has shown in big games this season has been impressive, and it was no different against Como.
Maignan led at the back, whilst Rabiot worked tirelessly in both phases of the game to help his side claw back a result. Modric also adjusted after the second half and shifted more towards trying to limit Paz as he struggled with possession in the first half.
Nkunku and Rafa did their part despite not being fully fit. Then Allegri also managed the game well with his substitutions, especially Niclas Fullkrug and Samuele Ricci, who did very well.
The game was reminiscent of the one against Napoli in the first half of the season, where the team struggled a lot to grab the win. But it’s exactly what champions do, and whilst it’s still very early for that discussion, we can be sure that Allegri and his men will not be giving up anytime soon.
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