Milan hosted Monza in the 11th round of the Serie A season with the intent of making it four wins in a row and putting more pressure on the teams at the top of the table. Something they succeeded with.
There were quite a few changes in the Milan XI with the front four consisting of Origi, Rebic, Brahim Diaz, and Messias. Pobega also gave Tonali some rest, while Kjaer and Dest were the new additions to the defence.
The game started off in the best possible way for Pioli and his side as Diaz opened the scoring in the 16th minute, and then getting his second goal in the 41st minute. The first goal especially was a fantastic one from the Spaniard.
At the half-time break, however, Diaz and Dest had to be replaced after picking up minor injuries, but that didn’t really harm the game for Milan as they continued to be comfortable on the pitch.
Origi managed to get his first Milan goal but Monza pulled one back just five minutes after that. Leao, however, put the final nail in the coffin with a late goal and it was a really good with for the Rossoneri. Here are five things we learned…
1. Brahim leads the way
The Spaniard has had his ups and downs this season but has managed to find somewhat of a form in the last few games, also scoring in the game against Juventus (four goals for the season). The first goal was fantastic as he got the ball in the middle of the pitch and carried it all the way to the opponent’s box, before putting it into the back of the net.
His second one was also a delight as he turned rapidly, beating his man and doubling the result. He could’ve also picked up an assist before coming off, providing Rebic with a lovely through ball but the Croat didn’t capitalise.
It will be intriguing to see if Brahim can keep this up as the end product has been his weak spot. His technique has always been there and will allow him to be a pivotal player for Milan.
2. Good display by Dest
The American international probably played his best half in red and black but was subbed off at half-time due to an injury, which was unfortunate as he could miss the trip to Zagreb (still uncertain).
Despite the blow, it must be said that there were good moments from him and this performance is something he can build on now, gaining a bit more confidence in the process. It would also be good for Pioli to see Dest doing well so he can alternate his options on the right in the upcoming heavy schedule.
3. A first in red and black
Divock Origi started the game and finally got his first goal for the Rossoneri, and what a goal it was. A stunning strike to beat the keeper from the edge of the box. The Belgian offers a lot more pace and his work rate was higher compared to Giroud. He also had a couple of good moments where he was able to beat his man and get a shot off.
Needless to say, he is completely different from Giroud and it will be interesting to see how and when Pioli will use him since he is not the typical target man, but that has proved to work in Milan’s favour on multiple occasions when Ante Rebic has played at the striker position.
With the heavy schedule ahead, Origi will definitely have more chances to solidify his spot within the squad.
4. Theo and Bennacer at their usual best
With a lot of players rested, the duo had to run the show for their side and push the others forward and that’s exactly what they did.
The Frenchman was up and down the pitch as usual, eventually picking up an assist on the fourth goal all the while being solid at the back.
Bennacer was running the show in the middle, with Pobega being the more physical of the pair. The Algerian had no issue dictating the game and was pivotal in middle for his side.
5. The depth does the job
Despite the fact that the depth wasn’t enough to handle Chelsea, it’s more than enough for Serie A. Yesterday, more or less all the players that were given the chance to start played a good game.
Furthermore, Pioli had the luxury to introduce the likes of Leao, De Ketelaere, and Kalulu off the bench. Youngsters Vranckx and Gabbia also picked up some minutes towards the end.
The game really showcased how strong the squad is and whilst not comparable to the top teams in Europe just yet, it will allow Pioli to make changes and rest players before big games.
Thing #6 we learned.. we can’t learn anything from this match, monza isn’t good and it was a subpar version of them even so there can be 0 things gained from this. Don’t you find it curious how all of our bad players played well this match? Must be a revelation!! Or monza is bad
6. Monza was a only good Striker away from thrashing Milan to a 4-4 draw or a 4-5 win. In fact, Monza played a better passing/attacking football than Milan in more ways than one. They created 6 dangerous chances in our box that a good striker would have buried in the net. We should hire the coach/assistant who was behind Monza’s passing training. But not taking away Anything from our team tho. Incredible win. Hats off to Origi for getting off the mark.
Forza Milan.
Aren’t you the balloon who said Milan can’t build attacks without Leao? People with dignity would have the decency to not show their face.
“Aren’t you the balloon who said Milan can’t build attacks without Leao?”
Never forget. 🙂
@Mehdi..
Milan first goal.. Diaz individual skill. No Buildup play was involved.
Milan second goal.. Diaz scored.. vs. Monza’s Awful defending. Again.. No build up play involved.
Milan third goal… Again.. Not a single buildup play involved. Origi longshot buried it.
MIlan’s fourth.. Built from left with Theo’s run.. guess who’s involved.. Leao.
Try to think about the match before running your mouth mate. Sometimes.. Brain does matter. Lol
“Milan second goal.. Diaz scored.. vs. Monza’s Awful defending. Again.. No build up play involved.
Milan third goal… Again.. Not a single buildup play involved. Origi longshot buried it.
MIlan’s fourth.. Built from left with Theo’s run.. guess who’s involved.. Leao. ”
LOL. So the ball just magically appeared into Diaz’s & Origi’s feet without any effort from Milan players? Wow. So you didn’t even notice how Messias got the ball on the right side, dribbled past the defender and passed the ball to Origi? Talk about blind…
And the fourth one? You think it was Leao’s insane skills that brought the goal? Nope. Theo did all the work there and even Kalinic would have scored from that pass.
Sometimes… Brain does matter. Lol.
So.. just a pass is a build up play? LMFAO great logic mate. Hard to argue with someone who doesn’t even know what it is in the first place. lol
Buildup play had NOTHING to do with the first three goals. Those goals happened because of individual skills. Buildup play wasn’t responsible for it. MOST of Milan goals are credited to pure individual skills. No Milan fan will claim that Milan goals happen because of EXCEPTIONAL build up play from the team. Then again, to some fans.. a PASS is a build up play apparently. That’s outright Sad football knowledge.
Never said it was Leao’s skill, just that he was involved. It was all Theo. See.. eyes matter too eventually LOL
The next step would be to sign more Italians, starting with Mazzocchi as cover for Theo.
Isn’t he a right back?