8 hours ago
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AC Milan managed to come back from two goals down against Torino, reclaiming first place in the standings. Christian Pulisic was the big star and below are the player ratings for the Rossoneri.
Starting XI
Maignan (6): He very nearly added another penalty save to his tally, getting a hand to Vlasic’s effort, but it wasn’t enough in the end. Questions can perhaps be asked about Zapata’s strike, but it’s also true that the defenders didn’t help him a whole lot there. All things considered, as such, he gets a pass here.
Tomori (5): It was very clumsy, and unfortunate, defending that led to the penalty. He clearly got caught in two minds and in the end, it looked rather comical. He had good moments after that, but I cannot overlook the difficult spot his silly (and avoidable) mistake put Milan in.
Gabbia (6.5): For me, this was another game in which he barely put a foot wrong, always leading the team from the back and making himself available in the build-up. What I liked a lot is that he also covered for others’ mistakes, not afraid to get out of his central role to sort things out.
Pavlovic (6): I personally think he could have done a better job of closing down Zapata on the goal. The striker was arguably Torino’s biggest threat and he shouldn’t have been left so alone. After that, however, the Serbian played an important role and that was enough to get him a 6 here.
Saelemaekers (7): Mr Lively, you could call him, because it felt like he was everywhere. He nearly had a nice assist for Rabiot in the first half, and then followed that up with the assist for Pulisic in the second. Yet again, his versatility came in handy for Allegri (or Landucci this evening).
Loftus-Cheek (6.5): He had a bit of a slower start to the game, certainly not playing to his strenghts, but he grew into the second half very nicely. That early run to set up Nkunku’s backheel was the start of everything and he continued to do well, playing a part in the winner as well.
Modric (7): It might sound like I’m exaggerating just because of the name, but the truth is that it was a massive difference compared to the Lazio game. Even if Milan didn’t always create loads, they kept control and that was crucial in wearing Torino down. Modric was the key to all of that, with his smart movement, dummies, passing and more.
Rabiot (7.5): Allegri asked for goals from the Frenchman and that’s exactly what he got. Who knows how it would have gone without his screamer! In addition to the goal, which warrants a high rating just by itself, he was very useful as always in all parts of the game.
Bartesaghi (6): With the risk of perhaps sounding harsh, he was a bit too timid for my liking in the first half. He improved in the second, as showcased by the header that was well-saved by the keeper, but his crossing definitely could have been better throughout the game.
Nkunku (6): He went down far too easily just before Torino’s goals and while other mistakes were made after that, it was his loss of possession that led to the counter. In the second, he improved massively in my opinion as he was involved in several good moves, including a good run to open up space for Pulisic on the winner. A 6 still seems fair, but it’s promising for sure.
Leao (N/A): Given the injury and substitution in the first half, it’s very difficult to put a rating on his performance tonight. Let’s just hope it’s nothing serious, although admittedly the Napoli clash feels at risk.
Substitutes
Ricci (6.5): He had a good chance to level the game, getting a touch to a rebound but not enough from close range. Fortunately, he followed that up with some very good moves, including the cross for Pulisic on the winner. He was also involved in the build-up for the second, while another inswinging cross nearly led to an Nkunku goal.
Pulisic (10 – MOTM): I very rarely do this, but considering the circumstances, the 10 feels appropriate here. Milan have struggled massively in this fixture over the years and another disappointing result looked certain, then the No.11 stepped up.
The fact that he was a big doubt for this game, due to a fever, only adds to the story and makes his cameo all the more special. I can’t help but love the fact that the two goals were both scored with his left foot, and after brilliant movement inside the box. Like a striker.
Estupinan (N/A): He came on for he final minutes of the game to secure the matter, but I didn’t see enough to give him a rating.
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