AC Milan were held to a goalless draw in our opening Champions League game against Newcastle Utd, on a frustrating night at San Siro.
The Rossoneri created countless chances over the course of the encounter, but were unable to add a clinical edge to our play to secure all three points.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Inter: Disastrous Rossoneri display in heavy defeat
In turn, it was a disappointing outcome having wasted a big opportunity to get off to a winning start, and time will tell if we come to rue the result as the group stage progresses.
Stefano Pioli will perhaps take some positives from the performance given it was positive overall and there was a good response after the heavy defeat to Inter this past weekend, but we’ll certainly feel as though we could, and perhaps should, have come away with more.
AC Milan player ratings vs Newcastle Utd:
Mike Maignan, 6 – Had little to do as we controlled the game for the most part. Distribution out was accurate, and was alert when called upon. Hopefully he hasn’t suffered a serious injury that will sideline him having come off in the latter stages.
Davide Calabria, 6 – Did well defensively to keep things compact on that side with Gordon capable of troubling him with his pace. Booked and replaced at half-time to seemingly avoid getting into further trouble.
Malick Thiaw, 6.5 – A much better performance off the back of a nightmare display last weekend. Looked more assured and in control, and was defensively switched on throughout even though Newcastle’s threat was limited.
Fikayo Tomori, 7 – Big performance on his return to the line-up. Showed a commanding side of his game as he snuffed out danger quickly and didn’t allow Newcastle any attacking joy down his side as he also covered for others.
Theo Hernandez, 5.5 – Started well and offered a goal threat at times too. However, his influence waned as the game went on and we lacked the necessary quality to hurt the opposition down that left flank.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 6.5 – His physicality and driving runs from midfield were key as he helped us gain a foothold and control in that area of the pitch. Similarly to Maignan, was forced off with an issue in the second half and so it’s hoped that he isn’t out for an extended period of time.
Rade Krunic, 5.5 – Did his defensive job well as he protected the backline and added presence in midfield. However, in a game where we controlled possession and tempo, arguably should have offered more in the offensive phase of the game in our search for a breakthrough.
Tommaso Pobega, 5.5 – Did the job he was brought in to do well, as he won duels and with his physicality and energy in midfield, we were able to match Newcastle. However, similar to Krunic in that we needed more quality from them on the ball to make the difference in a game where we were on top and he didn’t provide much.
Samuel Chukwueze, 5.5 – Looked bright at times with his direct running and desire to make something happen, but he’s still lacking that quality end product to be decisive. Must start adding something in the final third to be an effective and reliable option.
Olivier Giroud, 5.5 – Did well providing a focal point up top at times, but didn’t have the same level of influence on the game in terms of linking things up and bringing others into play. Couldn’t find a finish either despite having chances.
Rafael Leao, 5 – A really disappointing display from our attacking talisman, as not only did he spurn some huge opportunities, one in particular where he did brilliantly to set himself up but fluffed the finish, he was often wasteful on the ball. Showed little interest in the defensive phase of the game, and so on a big European night at home, he didn’t step up when needed.
Substitutes:
Alessandro Florenzi, 6 – Lacked the required quality with his final ball, but added width and an attacking outlet down the right side to go along with his defensive work in a positive impact.
Christian Pulisic, 5.5 – Injected some energy into our attack with his movement on and off the ball, but couldn’t find a decisive impact to help us get a breakthrough.
Tijjani Reijnders, 5.5 – Also impressed in the latter stages as he gave us a freshness in our attacking play. Didn’t make the most of a big chance, one of many that we spurned on the night.
Yunus Musah, 6 – Impressed late on as he looked to get on the ball as often as possible and wasn’t afraid to take his man on. If Loftus-Cheek is sidelined, looking forward to seeing how he fares in his place as he looks capable of being a driving force from that midfield position on the right side.
Marco Sportiello, 6 – Difficult circumstances to come on in but did well as he looked assured between the posts. Produced a crucial late save too to keep it level.
