AC Milan secured a 3-2 win over Atalanta in Bergamo on Sunday night, and the Rossoneri were value for their victory in an impressive performance.
As with any trip to face Atalanta on the road, it was a difficult assignment and one that would certainly test our aspirations of wanting to compete for the Scudetto this season.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Atalanta: Tonali, Calabria shine in superb win
Having passed big tests already this year, this was another box ticked for Stefano Pioli and the players, as we came flying out of the blocks to set the tone for the game and seal all three points to maintain our impressive start to the campaign.
Maignan a real emerging star
Following the exit of Gianluigi Donnarumma, there was real concern for many Milan fans as to how the club would successfully fill the void that he left behind.
Fortunately, the Milan hierarchy had the vision and belief to sign Mike Maignan and move on from our former shot-stopper, and the French international hasn’t disappointed.
From his ability to make important saves to his commanding of the box and organisational skills with his defence, it has led to Milan conceding just five goals in seven Serie A games thus far, which is good enough to give us the second best defensive record in the league.
Defence steps up
While we did have to ride our luck at times, the organisation, commitment and concentration from the Milan backline was vital in this game.
It’s always going to be a difficult task getting something in Bergamo, but from last-ditch tackles and blocks to key saves to tireless shifts across the pitch, the entire team stepped up and earned that win.
Nevertheless, it’s the central defensive partnership of Simon Kjaer and Fikayo Tomori which deserves specific praise too given how solid they were all game.
Tonali blossoming into star
The way in which Sandro Tonali has developed so far this season has been a joy to watch, as he has taken major strides and is now arguably one of the first names on the team sheet.
From his defensive work in protecting the defence and making key interventions to now getting forward, pressing high up the pitch to win possession and showing great composure to score too, he’s showing he has a strong all-round game.
Still only 21 years of age, there is so much to be excited about if Tonali continues on this trajectory as he looks a new player full of confidence this season.
Leao showing real growth
That’s now four goals and an assist in nine appearances so far this season across all competitions, but it’s more than the numbers that’s impressive with Rafael Leao.
Since he arrived, a lot of the criticism levelled at him has been regarding his general attitude and demeanour on the pitch, and how there is a perceived lack of effort and desire at times.
More and more this season, we’re seeing a committed and focused Leao who is ready to make sacrifices for the team and make decisive impacts on games. Long may this type of form continue.
Milan mean business this season
While it’s absolutely still too early to start making statements about Milan’s ambitions this season, this was a statement win in itself and will do wonders to build confidence and belief within the group.
That’s now six wins and a draw in our first seven games of the season, with that draw coming away at Juventus. The competition at the top of the table is fierce and so there is a long way to go, but the early signs are certainly positive from this team that is continuing to develop and improve.
It remains to be seen if we can turn things around in the Champions League, but it’s clear that we’re aiming for first place in Serie A this year and while we may have set the standard now, it’s about maintaining that and pushing on.
