What was a highly anticipated game between Milan and Chelsea turned into a disaster for AC Milan after multiple controversial calls by the referee Daniel Siebert.
The Rossoneri were all fired up to prove their worth in the reverse fixture after a rather disappointing 3-0 loss in London. Theo Hernandez was back in the starting XI with Brahim Diaz replacing Charles De Ketelaere and Matteo Gabbia replacing Sergino Dest compared to the line-up at Stamford Bridge after those changes did the job against Juventus at the weekend.
The game itself was already looking much different to the one in England with Theo Hernandez producing some bright signs with his darting infield runs, but it all fell apart because of some officiating incompetency in the 18th minute.
Fikayo Tomori was beaten by a lovely though ball courtesy of Reece James which allowed Mason Mount to run behind, and the Englishman then failed to catch up and did use his hands a bit in the penalty box before stopping himself as to not to concede a penalty.
Unfortunately the German referee decided that his actions were not only enough for a spot kick, but also warranted a straight red card which put Milan in a very tough spot for the rest of the game, especially after Jorginho converted the penalty to give Chelsea the lead.
The Blues grabbed a second through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then just played the game out as Milan also went into damage limitation mode a bit, though there were some chances on the counter. Here are five things we learned…
1. Collective mistakes costly
Controversy aside, the build-up to the first goal showed some sloppiness from Milan as the midfield was nowhere to be seen, Theo was slow to press Reece James who provided an amazing through ball to Mount who won the penalty.
There was no excuse for the poor defending there and Tomori might have also stayed closer to Mount and not allowing him to start accelerating like he did. The Englishman was also slow to react as he could’ve started tracking back a bit faster which would’ve allowed him to potentially intercept the pass or at least commit a foul outside the box.
Now, obviously, the call to award Chelsea a penalty and send Fikayo off was a really harsh one to say the least, but realistically we need to acknowledge the fact that the defending from the whole team could have prevented the entire situation. These small details are what Milan are missing to compete with the best teams in Europe.
2. Total game changer
Theo Hernandez missed the first fixture, but was back last night and it was clear as day that the team is much better with him in the starting line-up as he played a really interesting role where he went central when Milan were attacking, drawing a lot of players and emptying spaces for his team-mates.
The left-back was able to take on Chelsea’s midfield with his pace and it seemed like he was going to cause havoc with his powerful dribbling, but unfortunately after his team went a man down the plan changed.
It was, however, a relief to see Theo back and fit and the versatility that he offers is amazing, offering many tactical solutions to Pioli.
3. Giroud not enough
Olivier Giroud played a great part in the Scudetto winning campaign and has had some crucial goals this season too, but he seems vey tired at this point as he’s been a starter constantly without being able to take a break due to Milan’s injuries.
The striker had the chance on two occasions to cause troubles for Kepa, one of which had to be a goal really, but his header from Brahim Diaz’s pinpoint cross didn’t even hit the target.
Giroud is also 36 years old and has his movements (or lack thereof) are starting to be questionable since he requires great service to get himself on the scoresheet.
He’s also had some struggles with involving himself in the build-up in recent games which is his speciality, and it should be evident that whilst he bring a lot to the table Milan will need to look at the market and make a large Vlahovic-type investment if they want to bring it to the next level in the next couple of years.
4. Redemption of sorts
Bennacer and Tonali had a disaster of a game at the Stanford Bridge, but it’s fair to say that the duo kind of redeemed themselves at San Siro, if we can even talk about any sort of redemption given the circumstances.
The Algerian looked better on the ball and he had a couple of really good moments, one of which at 1-0 when he beat the press in lovely fashion to find Theo on the left with the attack eventually leading to a header that Giroud had to score.
Tonali also seemed better as he brought a lot of energy and passion and did not commit many mistakes, but again given the circumstances it is hard to draw many concrete conclusions.
5. Better, but still a lot to be desired
Sergino Dest loanee was one of the worst players in the first game against Chelsea along with Fode Ballo-Toure, and it was to nobody’s surprise that he started on the bench at San Siro especially after the Juve game where Kalulu did excellently at right-back.
Due to the red card however, he replaced Diaz after the second goal and he provided a much better performance this time around. There were some errors, but none of them were fatal this time around and to be fair to him he brought a lot of energy going forward with his pace and dribbling causing some problems.
He provided Tonali with a lovely ball in the box and later on found himself in a position to score a goal, but sent the ball into the stands hence the mixed feelings yet again.
Unlike the previous game, we actually so some promising moments from the right-back and it’s obvious that he is not used to Pioli’s system and is yet to build up the chemistry with his team-mates.
Dest will only work as RW or RWB, never RB. Too much of a liability
6. Champions league refereeing is doo doo. Even worse than Serie A
7. Superleague needs to happen. FVCK UEFA.
We all agree defending was awful AND it was a penalty. But a straight red that early? That was vindictive and it was clear as broad daylight. Even if we decide to skip that part… the rest of the game is AWFULLY refereed.
Milan caused only 12 fouls but somehow managed 7 cards, six yellow and one red? There’s no way this is a coincidence when chelsea committed 18 fouls.
That referee came with an agenda and it’s not personal, dude is just doing what his as$hole bosses told him to do. Hell even a clear penalty is awarded after a VAR double check over voice and this MOTHERFVCKER didn’t even think twice.
I think Milan can see UEFA corruption first hand. UEFA Cant let chelsea lose this game because they’d lose revenue if Chelsea’s Qualification is on Jeopardy.
So its clear that Perez was right. UEFA is more corrupt than you think.
That was a racist red card.
Defending was poor ok but red card and penalty at same time was more racist.
For the record Tonali is a good but over-hyped midfielder. Can’t shoot, pass, cross or deliver the least of set pieces.
Kessie’s Physicality and Stamina is seriously missing in that midfield.
Wow, worst comment I’ve read in years. Keep fueling racism guy, disgusting. Was it racist when the ref didn’t give a second yellow to sterling?…. this was an anti milan call, settle down.
WTF is this comment? 🤣🤦♂️
I agreed with anyone who says Super League needs to happen.
It’s a shame UEFA became this corrupt considering Milan have long and amazing history with UCL.
Pioli knows Serie A. He’s limited. His European losses will cost us talent.
Leaving Adli from UCL squad is one of biggest mistakes Pioli makes. Time to switch on new Coach.
giroud sucks