AC Milan came away with three crucial points from the game against Sassuolo on Saturday evening. It wasn’t a pretty display by the Rossoneri, but at least they ended 2023 on a good note. As always, there are some key facts to highlight.
Christian Pulisic was the hero for Milan as he scored the winner in the second half, converting Ismael Bennacer’s lovely pass. The American was named the MOTM in our player ratings and it’s not the first time that he has come in clutch for the Rossoneri.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the key stats and facts from the game.
Bennacer hits milestone
The Algerian made his 150th appearance across all competitions for the Rossoneri, crowning it with a great assist as well. He really commanded the play with some great passing overall and it’s clear that he will be missed during the AFCON tournament.
During the win over Sassuolo, @IsmaelBennacer racked up 150 appearances for #ACMilan across all competitions. pic.twitter.com/CwjUi7zywE
— MilanData📊 (@acmilandata) December 30, 2023
He wasn’t allowed to stay in Milan a little longer either, meaning he will miss the game against Cagliari tomorrow. Giorgio Furlani and Geoffrey Moncada will likely not make a midfield reinforcement in January, so the Rossoneri fans will selfishly be hoping that Algeria doesn’t make it too far in the tournament.
Pulisic a huge success
Taking a look at all the signings Milan made in the summer, and there were quite a few, Pulisic was the best of the lot. Many would argue this, anyway, and the numbers certainly justify it: six goals and four assists in 16 league appearances (plus one UCL goal).
Christian Pulisic has reached double figures in involvements in Serie A this term (6 goals, 4 assists), only doing so previously in a 'top five' European League back in the Premier League 2019-20 – 13 active involvements in his first season with Chelsea.
[via @OptaPaolo] pic.twitter.com/uFj5GnuwNA
— MilanData📊 (@acmilandata) December 31, 2023
Following what was a very tough season at Chelsea, not many expected him to perform this well so quickly. Samuel Chukwueze has failed to compete with the American on the right flank and it doesn’t look like the pecking order will change anytime soon.
The Nigerian will obviously take part in the AFCON, just like Bennacer, so Pulisic will have even more space and opportunity to shine with the red and black shirt.
A tough 2023
It was a tough year for Milan and the fans. Narrowingly clinching a top-four finish in the 2022-23 season, and the deep injury crisis this fall. In 41 league games, the Rossoneri collected 73 points and that makes for an average of 1.78 points per game.
Where #ACMilan rank among teams in Europe's 'top five' leagues for league points amassed and goals scored in the 2023 calendar year.
[via @transfermarkt] pic.twitter.com/ngaFL40OKJ
— MilanData📊 (@acmilandata) January 1, 2024
There is no doubt that Milan could have done better, especially at the start and at the end of the year, and it remains to be seen what the solution will be for next season. The feeling is indeed that Pioli’s reign at the club has come to an end.
The unbreakable defence that characterised the Scudetto season and parts of the 2022-23 season has completely vanished, by the looks of it. The Rossoneri conceded 31 goals in the Scudetto season, now they are already at 20.
“Rossoneri fans will selflessly be hoping that Algeria doesn’t make it too far in the tournament…” I think you mean here ‘selfishly’ 😊 as it would mean thinking about ourselves not others.
Also in the other article I though we amassed 73 points in 41 games so the points per game should be 1.8 for 2023.
Anyways, Interesting to see the total points per team in Europe for the calendar year. Seems like mostly all of the other top coaches scored higher than us. So……We’re about where we should be given we can’t afford any of those other expensive coaches lol
Very good spot! Let’s just say we are all a bit tired today 😂
A bit too much of the ol’ celebratory beverages last night eh 😂😂😂
Cheers 😁