Despite numerous opportunities, AC Milan was unable to defeat Newcastle this evening and secure all three points. The player ratings for the Rossoneri can be found below. Some players performed well, while others had difficulty.
Starting XI
Maignan (5.5): It may sound harsh, but given that Newcastle didn’t have a shot on target when he was on, we have to judge him by his distribution. He missed several ‘easy’ passes this evening and the injury was just the icing on the cake.
Calabria (5.5): He struggled against his man on the right flank and was also booked for dissent, which is something you don’t want to see. Rightfully taken off after the first 45 minutes.
Thiaw (6.5): So much better from him tonight, winning almost all of the duels along with his colleague at the back. He also dared to drive forward with the ball which opened up a lot of space.
Tomori (6.5 – MOTM): He was full of energy after serving a suspension in the derby and looked very good from start to finish. He was always ahead of his man, so no complaints can be made.
Hernandez (6): The Frenchman had his moments while going forward but also lacked the final touch tonight, both with his crosses and shots. We know he can be more clinical.
Loftus-Cheek (5.5): Sure, he did win quite a few duels but he struggled to have an impact in the attacking phase. There was one sequence where could have set up Leao for a certain goal, but failed the easy cut-back pass.
Krunic (6.5): Very good in both phases from the Bosnian this evening, directing the play with purpose and also breaking the lines with his passing.
Pobega (6): A nice defensive shift from him, adding size to the midfield, and he wasn’t bad on the ball either.
Chukwueze (6): He had a somewhat rough start to the game but improved towards the end of the first half. In the second half, just as he was gathering some steam, he was taken off by Pioli.
Giroud (5.5): Yes, he had to do a lot of battling out there tonight, but he wasn’t always in the right position. Milan especially had a few good crosses at the near post and he wasn’t there to receive them.
Leao (5.5): A sliding doors moment with that chance in the first half, which he needed to convert after such a good run. The Milan fans were right to be frustrated with him tonight, as he also lost some balls.
Substitutes
Florenzi (6): His first action wasn’t great, taking a shot on the edge of the box, but his movement was good and he added a lot to the attack. The crosses might need some work, but a few of them were great (one perfect for Leao).
Reijnders (6): He offered some more solutions going forward compared to Pobega and had a few good moments. Just about a 6 for him though.
Pulisic (5.5): He wasn’t bold enough when it mattered, getting into good positions and then taking too much time.
Musah (6.5): The American was very impressive off the bench and really helped Milan make a final push in the game. He needs to get more playing time, perhaps starting against Verona at the weekend.
Sportiello (6): Saved Newcastle’s only shot on target and it was a good effort too. He will need to continue like that in case Maignan’s injury is serious.
