AC Milan secured three important points with a 3-1 win at Parma on Saturday, getting back to winning ways in a crucial period of the season.
The Rossoneri are in the midst of a real battle for Champions League qualification, and we know that they can ill-afford to drop points at this stage of the campaign.
READ MORE: AC Milan player ratings vs Parma: Kessie, Rebic impress as Ibrahimovic sees red
After a disappointing outing against Sampdoria last time out, it was imperative that Milan picked up three points this weekend, and they did so despite losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to a red card in the second half.
Starting game well is crucial
The key in this game was how well Milan started it. From the first minute onwards there was crisp, fluid attacking play and it culminated in Ante Rebic’s goal after just eight minutes.
That set the tone for the remainder of the encounter, and it was only until Ibrahimovic’s dismissal did we look like we could be genuinely troubled.
Too often this season Milan have started games slowly, given the opposition a chance to settle and to find their rhythm and ended up dropping points. Not on this occasion.
Real quality in goals that has been missing
As noted above, there was real fluidity and quality to our attacking play in the early stages, and in fact all three goals involved impressive build-up play.
From the speed and sharpness of the passing to the movement off the ball and desire from players to make themselves available to receive it, it was so much better than last time out against Sampdoria.
If Milan can maintain that kind of rhythm and tempo to our play, we can trouble any defence.
Intensity, tempo back on point
On or off the ball, this was the Milan that has impressed over the past 12 months. We pressed with energy and intent, and moved the ball quickly when in possession.
When we allow the tempo to drop and it all slows down, our level generally starts to drop and it often suits the opposition.
Instead, Parma couldn’t cope with us early on and conceded the opener, and as we stepped it up later on, Kessie doubled our lead to put us in control.
Kessie reaches impressive personal mark
Speaking of the Ivorian midfield powerhouse, that is now 10 Serie A goals this season. Along with five assists, he has made a big jump in that aspect of his game.
For years we bemoaned the lack of composure from him in attacking situations, but he has improved significantly in that regard along with the rest of his influence.
A real force in midfield and reunited with Ismael Bennacer, he has cemented his place as a pillar of the side.
Need to be careful indiscipline doesn’t cost us
It’s unclear at this stage as to whether or not Ibrahimovic’s red card was warranted. Time will tell if Milan opt to launch an appeal, as a suspension will now follow.
However, we saw it a few weeks ago with Rebic being dismissed and this time it was Ibra, the Milan players must maintain their discipline and ultimately avoid engaging with the referee as they seem to be trigger happy with their cards with us.
The hope is that it’s proven that Ibrahimovic didn’t say anything untoward and if he is handed a ban, it’s only for one game, as this is not the time to be without our talisman.