Four key talking points as Milan see off Venezia in convincing fashion

   January 9, 2022

AC Milan were in good form on Sunday as we secured a 3-0 win over Venezia to make it three consecutive victories in Serie A.

Goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Theo Hernandez (2) sealed the three points, with the Rossoneri making a good start to both halves and thus setting the tone and tempo for the rest of the game.

READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Venezia: Theo Hernandez, Leao shine in impressive win

The win moves us top of the Serie A table for the time being with Inter having two games in hand, but there were certainly more positives for Stefano Pioli in this one as we look to put together a strong run of form now to solidify our position as a Scudetto contender this year.

Stand-out performance from stand-in captain Theo Hernandez

Leading by example was our stand-in captain, as Hernandez not only put in a good shift defensively down the left side, but also added two goals to his day’s work.

His first was an excellent goal as he burst forward in his usual fashion and produced a thumping finish to show his quality in the final third, while his penalty was top-class too as it was accurate and hit with enough conviction to evade Sergio Romero.

After a sloppy run of form where he was struggling to get back to his best, Hernandez has responded well to being handed the captain’s armband, and while he isn’t expected to hold on to it for too much longer, it will hopefully have inspired this form to continue regardless in the coming months.

Bakayoko starting to impose himself in midfield battle

While Sandro Tonali continues to impress, Milan need Tiemoue Bakayoko to establish himself alongside him in the coming weeks with both Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie absent.

It’s been a bit of a struggle for the 27-year-old since he returned as he hasn’t quite found his feet, but ultimately he’s now starting to settle and impose himself in games.

We saw that against Roma last time out, but there were further positive signs in this game as he used his physicality and athleticism well at times, albeit he will know that he can still certainly get better.

Milan come through another test short-handed

Despite still being without a number of key players, the Rossoneri are still finding ways to win and players are stepping up to deliver when needed.

Ultimately, Pioli does have a strong squad and so to an extent, this should be expected regardless of the number of regular starters currently unavailable.

Nevertheless, it’s one thing having those options, but it’s another utilising them in the best way possible and those individuals executing the gameplan as they did this weekend to secure another victory.

Leao becoming pivotal dynamic to Milan attack

After months of frustration as he fell short of expectations and question marks were perhaps raised over his desire and grit, Leao has responded in the perfect way so far this season.

The Portuguese winger brings strengths and attributes that are crucial to this Milan attacking line, with his speed, directness and skill all bringing a much-needed dynamic that makes us a real threat down the left flank and it’s so important that he’s now maximising his talent.

Not only is his creativity and goal threat important, but the mere presence of someone with such pace scares opposition defences, and it helps stretch the pitch and create space for other Milan players to then become impactful too. It’s hoped Leao continues on this path to develop and improve his game further.