This match started with players warming up with "Forza Simon" shirts to support Simon Kjaer after his serious injury and surgery this week. And Milan were in control from that point forward, only allowing two shots on target and 30% possession for the bottom of the table Salernitana side. While there certainly could and should have been more goals, two was all it took for Milan to take all three points and go top of the table. Unlike a few of their recent performances, Milan were in control.
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| A touching tribute for our fallenViking |
Milan made their presence known immediately as Leão sent in a cross at an impossible angle for Kessié, who definitely seemed excited about scoring a goal from the run of play after all of those penalties. 1-0 Milan. Belec was under fire for the next 90 minutes, but it took less than 15 minutes for Pellegri to get injured. His muscle injury will be assessed in the next day or two, but he required Pioli to bring on Krunić as a very early substitution.
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| Finally Kessié |
Brahim Díaz assisted the goal for Saelemaekers, who although very happy to get on the scoresheet again, immediately ran over to the bench to grab a Kjaer jersey and hold it up in dedication to our battle-worn center back. After such a touching tribute, Bakayoko could not help but get his requisite yellow card. Most of the rest of the first half was spent with Milan players sending the ball into orbit or otherwise missing chances.
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| The irony of Pellegri honoring Kjaer ahead of his own injury is not lost on me |
The same was basically true of the second half, although there were some beautiful misses. Like in the 51st, Messias had a beautiful backheel flick for Florenzi, who sent it in to Kessie who very nearly almost scored a second goal. Belec had a massive save on Messias in the 70th, he definitely gave Salernitana some trouble this afternoon. There was a bit of a scare in stoppage time when Maignan came out and Jaroszyński threatened, but Milan players had his back, and he grabbed the ball anyway.
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| A bit risky, but still in control |
Milan peppered Salernitana's defense with 22 shots, so the 2-0 win was a bit of a shame for not having more goals. The two goals that were scored and the win were dedicated to their fallen teammate, and we lost yet another player with Pellegri's injury. But the most important thing is that Milan played their game and stayed in control. Perhaps it was cruise control, but they stayed in control.
This post inspired by the music of Cake's "The Distance"
Reviewed by Elaine
on
11:22 PM
Rating:
