five things we learned como 1-2 ac milan

Como 1-2 AC Milan: Five things we learned – leading lights, mixed bags and a style being shaped

Sergio Conceicao preached upon his arrival that results are more important than performances for his AC Milan side, and the result certainly took precedent on a cold Tuesday night in Como.

The home side were on course for just their fifth win of the season when the new signing Assane Diao fired past Mike Maignan with a low shot to cap a sweeping counter-attack, putting them 1-0 up in the second half.

However, just like they did against Juventus and Inter in the Supercoppa, Milan roared back and scored twice in quick succession. They equalised when Theo Hernandez’s scuffed first-time effort looped into the back of the net, which was a record-breaking goal.

Then, Rafael Leao collected a brilliant through ball from Tammy Abraham and lifted it over the goalkeeper give the Rossoneri the lead, and that is how it would stay. Below are five things we learned from the game…

1. A mixed bag

Theo wasn’t at his best despite scoring, with Como’s goal evidence of that. He wasn’t able to quickly close down his opponent and prevent the shot that resulted in a goal, which was almost a carbon copy of Zortea’s equaliser for Cagliari.

In addition to that Theo lost quite a few of the duels he was involved in on the flank, with Van Der Brempt and Diao giving him a really tough time, meaning overall has taken a step back following his brilliant performance against Inter.

Towards the end he did redeem himself as he scored the equaliser that gave Milan a much-needed jolt, as the left-back continues with the trend of popping up with as many goal contributions as defensive lapses.

He needs to find the balance between the two phases because preventing goals can be crucial when the attack isn’t working. For every game like Como there might be one like Cagliari, where the silly goal conceded was costly results in dropped points.

2. The leading light (again)

Rafael Leao seems to have continued his good form after Conceicao’s arrival, having emerged from a tunnel under Paulo Fonseca with multiple games on the bench. After taking a step back against Cagliari, he was back to his best against Como.

Prior to the goal, a lot if not all of the dangerous situations for Milan involved the Portuguese winger as he looked for the ball and was not afraid to drive forward with it, creating a couple of chances for his team-mates that were squandered.

One in particular was when he put Tijjani Reijnders through on goal, with the Dutchman getting it under control but firing straight at Butez, something that has been a theme of Milan’s finishing including the Cagliari game.

In the end Leao was the match-winner in a tight game. He made a great run between two centre-backs having drifted in from the left, and – having been found by Abraham’s perfectly-weighted pass – he topped it off with a composed finish.

Milan players pre como
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

3. Time for rest?

To over-simplify things a bit, Youssouf Fofana took some time to get into gear at Milan after his arrival in the final month of the window, but then he became undroppable with a string of impressive games. Now, he seems to have regressed a bit.

The Frenchman is admittedly over-worked and has often ended up on an island of his own in the midfield when Milan are caught in transition, but generally he has struggled with the pace at times in recent weeks and his passing abilities are letting him down way too often.

Fofana usually gets the ball deep in Milan’s half where the attack starts but in the last few games he has given the ball away on multiple occasions and he’s lucky that Mike Maignan has not conceded more.

The former Monaco man surrendered possession a couple of times inside Milan’s half and thankfully Como didn’t manage to take advantage of that, but we saw against Cagliari what can happen in those situations.

In comparison, Yunus Musah has been quite reliable in the limited time Conceicao has used him thus far. Fofana has played so much football – along with Reijnders, too – that it might be a scenario where fresh legs are more useful.

4. Tammy time

Abraham has had some mixed performances in just four games with the new coach. He scored the later winner in the Supercoppa Italiana final against Inter, but then followed with big chances spurned against Cagliari.

Against Como he started on the bench but was crucial for the win after coming on, as he provided the assist to Leao. Ironically the Englishman seems better in the build-up phase than Morata who was meant to excel in that area.

Morata struggles to be quick enough in the build-up and took too long on multiple occasions effectively killing off the attack, whilst also not being a presence in the box. It’s true that Abraham misses a lot, yet he does manage to get himself in position to miss in the first place.

With a bit more playing time the Englishman may improve on his profligacy and offer a lot more than the Spaniard in terms of his overall game. It will be interesting to see if Conceicao will change things up, but Morata is suspended against Juventus so he should get his chance straight away.

5. Shaping the style

Conceicao has stated openly on multiply occasions that he is not happy with his team’s performance in large parts of all of his four games thus far and the fans would probably agree.

To that point, Rome wasn’t built in a day and despite the poor result against Cagliari and the late comeback against Como we can definitely see an improvement compared to Fonseca’s Milan.

The team operate at a higher pace and we saw multiple occasions where with a few touches and quick passes Milan ended up in close proximity to the opponent’s penalty box. This intensity was lacking a month ago and the players are getting better at implementing the idea that their new coach has in mind.

Naturally, it will take time for them to get used to and it’s evident that technical limitations and perhaps sometimes a lack of confidence at times are preventing some nice one-touch pass-and-move sequences from resulting in a big chances.

We have seen players like Reijnders and Morata struggling a bit with the higher pace, though generally speaking this squad does feel better suited to contain-and-counter football. Stefano Pioli’s best Milan team was built on that, with Theo and Leao allowed to play to their strengths.

Tags AC Milan Como Milan

25 Comments

  1. 1. Tactically there is not a lot to learn giving that Conceição just started working with this team, but probably a lot to unlearn. The players have to learn to move more without getting in each other’s way, pass quicker to one another, apply effective pressure,… The time where the ball holder does all the job and just has to beat the man in front of him and setup his teammates somehow has to come to an end.
    2. Aside from our glaring weaknesses in the midfield, but Reijnders and Fofana’s shape as of recently make it URGENT to get players who can rotate with them or better compete with them for a starting spot.
    3. Theo’s persistent problems especially defensively makes me think that he’s also suffering from the same exhaustion problem, or it also be a mental problem.
    4. Aside from Morata’s injury, his performance and even that of Abraham makes it clear we need a deadly striker. However it is unlikely that a deal like that will happen during the winter.
    5. We’re starting to yet again have to deal with injury related problems.

    1. Tactically there is not a lot to learn from this game * giving that Conceição just started working with this team, but the players probably a lot to unlearn *

    2. 3. Good point. All this talk of Rashford and Walker leaves me SMH. We have plenty in the attack and we have seen them score well in the beginning of this season. Now we are shipping goals we shouldn’t again and our attack is weak. Hmmm … what coudl that be? Oh yeah, an exhausted midfield that links the two together! Sell Tomorri _if_ Torino will part with Ricci. Adds to the midfield and to our Italians for UCL list. Surely we have a Futuro or Primavera CB we can lean on in a pinch?

      4. Good point. I’m not his biggest fan, but he has been overused.

      5. It looked to me during the game like Como was going out of their way to leave one in on our players. The ref seemed oblivious to this and VAR can only intervene if it is red-card level. I am pretty sure Puli was a contact injury (not muscle) for example.

    3. Commentary is mentioned that club ACM was exhausted set supercopa tour, i been seen actually performance waste indeed … but the best here is that change tactics made big differences. I loved seen Leao at left wing, Theo CM is worked actually, but there compliments to first to Jimenez , Reinders and Tammy. Must realize that we needed much power and at least 2 a big trophies in streak as soon as possible. Inter Milan have much more power from us by now for example …

  2. 1. I continue to be amazed by the Rafa narrative. Yes he was benched. Then he was not, still under Fonzy and played better in all phases after. He improved from game to game. So anyone who things Sarge is the reason wasn’t paying attention. I’d like a reason to pay to be a founding member. Lightweight analysis like that on Rafa is not a strong selling point.

    2. Sarge has us moving the ball quick. My titular kid watched the first half and was really impressed with the quick passes to space. He talked a lot about his coach making him pass to space and expecting his team mate to be there (he was a 6 some of the time) rather than waiting. Some of Fofana’s “bad” passes were actually this. He passed to space but someone didnt get there in time. New coach, new system blues … sing it with me.

    3. Sarge makes effective subs. 4 games and 4 rounds of changing the game with limited bench options due to injury.

    4. Morata has been exposed (alas, I like him) as being unable to move the ball quickly enough in link up. His first touch isn’t good enough either (big suprise for me TBH). I’d like to see Tammy start and Carmarda deputize. My concerns about his getting bullied are less each time I see him. He is a big big boy. Bring in Morata to defend leads with that amazing work rate of his.

    5. Gabbia makes us better as a unit. When he came on I could feel the calm from the TV. Thiaw is showing he makes excellent passes. Tomorri is showing his is still the same player he was 2-3 years ago. That is a good player but not good enough. Gabbia makes us better.

    6. (Bonus) – Rewatch the game. Any time Emerson uses his head on the ball it is a random event where it goes. He simply does not have that skill and it is a bit mind blowing. My kid also commented on that, “What is up with that RB? I’d get benched putting a header up for grabs like that. Needs to go on the breaking mid’s feet.” If you dare, watch Calabria last game. Any header was well placed for clearance or for attack. My observation is this “intent with the ball” is also true with the feet as well but not as obvious. Calabria knows how to play the game. Emerson is an athlete who happens to be playing the game.

    1. You’re right about Emerson… It’s hard to figure out what he’s trying to do. Terrible passes, late passes, and then the direction less headers.

      1. The whole header thing really brought this to the forefront for me. I don’t think he put one header on a target and a couple put us in danger.

        So I watched the rest of his game more carefully. It’s as if he doesn’t make decisions fast enough or he lacks situational awareness.

        Dude is absolutely a better athlete than Calabria but I personally don’t think it makes up for his game specific short comings.

        1. Yes, I noticed the open field headers. He’s been doing that for several games now. He is a nice guy probably a good teammate but an average footballer.

    2. Royal is make best in RB never seen any attacks from that side, game number one to Jimenez shown he is good at LB too Calabria is good too, that doesnt mean hypothetical Kyle as LM or behind Calabria

  3. Bennacer needs to depart. It’s clear as day he’s entirely exhausted as a player, though he doesn’t even play that much.

    We need another midfielder, a RB and perhaps a striker. Morata is more a sub, rather a starter. Abraham is still a bit inconsistent.

  4. 1. We need new goalkeeper. (Just kidding, but MM16 please…)
    2. TJ is the same story as the kebap so he can as well switch colors
    3. Good couch plays his best players.
    4. Leao can be scary and has completely different attitude since couch change.
    5. God help us in getting to next year CL.

  5. The fan base is being over-critical. The new coach has joined for just a couple of weeks, 4 games played in a few days with two of them involving travel to another continent, exhausted players, injured players… and this coach’s team won 3 games coming from behind, and tied one; would have won that one if not for three missed sitters (two by Abraham, one by Puli). That is nothing short of extraordinary. So, it hasn’t been pretty but there is reason for hope.

    Our table position has also improved. We aim for #4 given that the top 3 seem out of reach but 4 will be enough for the next UCL. So now we are 5 points from the current #4 but with a game in hand; if we convert that game we’ll be just 2 points below them; 3 points from #5 but with a game in hand; will tie them in points if we convert that game, and 1 point from #6.

    With Bologna’s draw with Inter today, we are ahead of them now; we went from #8 to #7. We are also ahead of the next three competitors in points already, with a game in hand over all of them.

    There are still 19 league games to go, for us. #4 is extremely feasible.

    So, let’s not panic. The poster above said “God help us in getting to next year CL.” No, it’s not that desperate.

    Frankly, the three teams still ahead of us for 4th place are not that scary. Lazio, Juve, Fiorentina. OK Juve is a big club but they have tied 13 games already. They will continue to drop points.

    It’s unfortunate that we will play them next, down several players; Puli injured, Thiaw injured, Morata suspended, Isma out of shape, Fofana and Reijnders exhausted… But even if we lose to them this time, we still have a game in hand over them and there will be still 18 games left; the way they draw so often, I’m not particularly scared of them, either.

    I’m getting more confident that we will make 4th place by season end.

    1. I was always confident Milan would finish top 4 this season even with Fonseca and nothing has changed on that front. Still confident.
      While the results have been good, the performances not so much.
      In 4 games I don’t think we have scored a single goal in the first half and we have trailed in 3 of the 4.
      We were lucky to get by Juventus with a bad penalty by Rabiot and a weird deflection own goal.
      And the performance against Como was a regression from the previous match with Cagliari.
      You can argue that the effort has been better, but not much else so far.
      I’m also a little worried about this coach running this team into the ground. The injuries have already started.
      Hopefully we will see better performances. A win against Juve will go a long way.

  6. I think I am done.

    I was supporting Como in that game.

    There’s nothing to connect me to this Milan. You simply cannot have an Italian club side that has zero Italians in the starting 11.

    Even more so when the players who take their place are mostly awful.

    Someone should sue Milan for a breach of consumer law. You can’t claim a product is ‘Made In Italy’ when it’s got no Italian ingredients.

    AC Milan are now ‘Assembled in Italy’ by nearly all foreigners. From the players to the manager to the owners there’s zero connection with the city or the country.

    So why don’t they just go somewhere else?

    What’s so attractive about a mid-tier team in a mid-tier league that barely passes as a going concern?

    The whole thing is pointless.

    Patrick Cutrone captaining Como, Locatelli captaining Juventus, whilst our captain is left to rot on the bench in favour of f’ing Emerson Royal.

    Gabbia finding himself dropped again because you can never be too sure.

    Camarda, whose mismanagement will see him one day end up like Locatelli or Cutrone.

    I’m done at least for the rest of the season. I have supported Milan for 40 years so it’s not like I can just drop them but when I find myself supporting the opposition, and wishing ill on our own players, then there’s something seriously lost.

    1. I Wish You Would Step Back From That Ledge My Friend…

      If Italian players is the most important thing to you perhaps you should find another team to support. Nothing wrong with that. Or you could root for 2 teams, one with all Italians while also supporting Milan. Serie B teams have a lot of Italians. Some bottom table teams as well.

      1. Without any Italians whatsoever on what basis does this team get to claim to be AC Milan?

        Again stepping outside of football to any other normal thing, how would it be acceptable for a product or thing to have no connection with the place it claims to come from?

        What other team sports have sides made up entirely of players with no connection to the place where the team’s from?

        I’ll always have a soft spot for Cutrone and Como so will probably just keep an eye on them for the reminder of the season.

  7. 1. Emerson stinks.
    2. Calabria stinks but should start over Emerson
    3. No reason Gabbia should be on the bench
    4. Leao has been playing well.
    5. Emerson getting MOTM was worse then when Tammy got it for tapping in the winner against Inter when Leao, Theo, and Pulisic did all the work in that game.

  8. Hold on. I’ve read this blaming the goal on Theo too many times today. Really like from that close to the shooter he was expected to read and understand where a low powerful shot was heading to and block it??! I don’t get it. He wasn’t beaten by the man but the shot. You can only make yourself big in front of the attacker with the hope of the ball hitting you which he did but was not lucky enough for the ball to come his way. He was in position all throughout the move and that’s where he has control over. People shouldn’t think that any player closest to the scorer is to be blamed for the goal. Theo wasn’t that good for my liking despite scoring a goal but I think he’s been given more importance to defending in the last few games.

  9. People here ask what are visible improvements under Sergio. It’s the dynamic of the game – a lot more vertical and a lot faster with moving the ball around. Also his subs are quite on point and he’s transitioning from one system to another with no interruption in the play. That tells me, he’s transmitting his ideas to the group in a simple and understanding way, not over complicating things.

    The thing they’re still catching up on are fast, one touch passes and passing into spaces. That’s where I saw they are losing the ball. But that’s something that will come with training and getting used to coach’s ideas.

    Also, the movement off the ball is different. Before they were scattered around the field with no clear formation running around headlessly. Now I see them move around as a collective unit, covering spaces. Not quite there yet, but improvement nevertheless.

    However, shortcomings of this team are evident. They still lack quality in some departments as well as proper coverage. Fofana, Reijnders and Puli are cooked. One would think we’d have at least proper depth after spending 200 millions in two seasons…

    Anyway to make it simple – 4 games, 3 wins, 1 draw and a trophy. Not bad for the new gaffer in my humble opinion.

  10. Ultimately we will need time to implement Conceicao’s high press tactics. Players need to get used to the new movements, and a new pace as well. That’s the reason Tomori is preferred, for his pace, and Emerson as well (although he’s defensively better than Calabria in other aspects as well). While Milan had a pressing game under Pioli as well, it was never as intense as this.

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