I'm not gonna lie: I expected us to get steamrolled today. Welbeck up top, no Bellerin...it seemed ominous. The first three minutes gave me no reason for optimism. (Why do we come out every game in the last several years and look so vulnerable at the back?) But we found our stride, and started moving the ball very smartly. It became clear that Milan did not have the speed to take maximum advantage of our rather slow set of defenders, we controlled the air, and our mids totally outplayed theirs. Mikhi's goal was deflected, but he hit the crossbar subsequently so I feel he deserved one on the night. I liked his hustle all game too. Aaron (courtesy of Mesut) caught Milan napping just before the half for one of the easiest goals he'll ever score. The second half was decent game management on our part and very sorry attacking on Milan's. Really, they looked awful. I can't believe they haven't been beaten in their previous 13.
Kolasinac looked quite good before he had to go off. i hope it wasn't serious. AMN was a fantastic replacement, though, and was extremely effective. What was Mustafi doing in the offensive third, especially after we'd taken the lead? He was caught out a few times, and once he was leveled by Ospina as he struggled to get back on defense after coughing up the ball. That guy is scary. Chambers did OK but he too had scary moments.
All in all, a good day at the office. It's something to hold on to when AC Milan visit the Emirates next week. We may need that cushion if we can't replicate this excellent performance. Surely the rossoneri won't be that bad.
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