At the tender age of five years old, my sweet daughter
received a marriage proposal from a peer who was equally sweet. Already wise
beyond her years (her name means “wisdom,”) and not wanting to crush her dear friend’s
little heart, she replied “I’m keeping my options open.” Well apparently, when
it came to the tactical system or formation that Inzaghi had to choose tonight,
he also wanted to keep his options open. He lined up a 4-3-3, but with lucky
Bonaventura intentionally inserted and able to push up and Menez moving to the
center to switch midgame to the 4-2-3-1, kind of like he did vs. Juventus. So
by not making any set decision, the team eeked out the win and allowed Inzaghi
to continue keeping his options open.
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| Celebrate the 3 points, celebrate the individual excellence, celebrate the growth |
The game was one that was hard to write about. On the
surface, many called it “boring” or a “snoozer,” but if you look more closely,
there was more to it than that. Like Milan taking 22 shots, but with only four
on goal. Or 25 fouls for Chievo, 10 for Milan, and seven yellow cards,
including cards for El Shaarawy and De Jong (and I think I heard that we’ll
miss De Jong vs. Verona, so that’s not good at all.) Sure, Milan dominated
possession, with 67% to Chievo’s paltry 33%, but Chievo still managed ten
shots, with two of those on goal. And there were mistakes. Oh, so many
mistakes. Just no conceded goals, so Milan’s first competitive clean sheet
since the 1-0 derby win last April.
Perhaps this game would be better characterized by the
carnival-like atmosphere Milan attempted to create with the Milan Village and
pregame entertainment at the San Siro, such as a football freestyle show. It
seems that since Galliani cannot get it together and sign players that are
entertaining enough to draw a crowd, Barbara Berlusconi will drum up the
entertainment for him. Someone’s got to fill the San Siro. And games like this
are not going to get that done by football alone.
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| "I made the most crucial errors, but I also secured my starting spot with a goal. Yes! Bow down to me!" |
Having no Bonera again was refreshing for many fans, as
despite Inzaghi’s defense of him through words, Alex and Rami were the
manifestation of the manager’s trust, and both did well to keep it, hence the
clean sheet. Coincidence? I think not. However, the first goal was a brilliant
54th minute volley from Muntari, 1-0 Milan. So yes, the Ghanaian killer not
only started, but secured his place in the starting lineup until he gets
suspended or actually kills someone. This is the least excited I may have ever
been about a Milan goal ever, despite the fact that it was arguably a great
goal technically.
One mindboggling thing I didn’t understand of Inzaghi’s
“options” was the starting and playing of Menez when he has had niggling
injuries and fitness worries and was doubtful for this match. Especially with
El Shaarawy on the bench. It was his introduction to the game and speed that
troubled Cofie and forced him to give up a stupid foul which led to the
beautiful free kick that Honda scored from in the 78th, 2-0 Milan. Honda is now
Milan’s top scorer, the best way to shut up all of those people who doubted him
since he made the move to the club. The man is indispensible for the team, and refuses
to stop scoring goals or making assists. I love him.
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| Unstoppable. |
Inzaghi’s subs were late, El Shaarawy introduced in the 76th
for Torres, Poli finally let loose in the 80th in place of Honda, and Muntari
going off in the 88th for Essien. With all of the frustrating runs and dozens
of fouls, it seems like he’d want to protect our players a bit more. The only
reason I can think of to omit El Shaarawy and Poli would be for their national
team callups that came just before the match. Except that El Shaarawy was not
called up. And Bonaventura and De Sciglio played all 90 minutes today, despite
being called up. Honda is traveling around the globe to play for his national
team and still played 80 minutes. So no, it doesn’t make sense, and I really,
really want to still like you Inzaghi, so I hope you sort this out soon. This
is not the kind of option you can keep open with me.
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| He can make me mad with his choices and still win me over with his Fondazione Milan bracelet. (ha, and you thought I was going to say good looks) |
Three points is what I take from this match. And the growth
of being able to change systems and adapt midmatch is a skill that I like
seeing developed. But we missed some grinta,
not enough tackles for my liking and too many wasted shots on goal. I know this
is a growth period for the team, and I should just be grateful we didn’t let
the 15th place team score and take the three points. But I like to watch good
football, too. I don’t really care about Milan Village or the pregame
entertainment, I want to be mesmerized by my guys in red and black every week.
And I am starting to believe that this is a team that might just be able to do
that for me. Hey, look at that. I just wrote something kinda hopeful. Sure, I
want good football, but I’ll take the three points gratefully. I’m keeping my
options open.
This post inspired by the music of
Muse’s “Absolution” album