Player Ratings: AC Milan 1-0 Udinese – Chukwueze relief; Fofana immense | OneFootball

AC Milan clinched three crucial points as they prevailed 1-0 against Udinese after late drama. Although it had to be a defensive-minded display, given the red card, several players did well and below are the ratings for the Rossoneri.

If you haven’t already, make sure to check out how we decide the player ratings. From the scale to what affects the rating, we have compiled everything there.

Starting XI

Maignan (6.5): It didn’t end up mattering in the end, seeing as VAR and the referee deemed it offside, but it was a great save from close range on the first shot. Aside from that, he wasn’t really tested that much despite Milan being one man down for most of the game.

Emerson Royal (6.5): It was probably one of his best games for Milan. He was very willing in the aerial duels, winning most of them, and pushed forward in the right moments, both defensively and offensively, to make life difficult for Udinese.

Thiaw (6): The German did much better than what we have seen in recent months, even showing some confidence by pushing up and winning the ball high. The situation at the end (the disallowed goal) was incredibly scrappy, and none of the defenders can really be blamed for it.

Pavlovic (6.5): Even though he had some risky moments, such as the penalty situation that was VAR checked (but not given), he did more good than harm and actually had quite an important role all things considered.

Terracciano (6): The criticised full-back had an inverted role before the red card and throughout the game, he did okay in possession. He certainly didn’t take many risks, but that was almost what we wanted from him and defensively, he was okay too.

Fofana (7): He was immense for most of the game, especially at the start, as it didn’t look like he could be dispossessed. Although most of his work in the second half concerned defending, he helped launch several counter-attacks by combining with his teammates.

Reijnders (N/A): It only seems fair not to give him a rating today, given that it wasn’t a red card. There was barely any contact and the Udinese man clearly tried to take advantage of it, successfully fooling the referee. A big mistake by the latter.

Photo by AC Milan

Chukwueze (7 – MOTM) It was a very good finish on the goal, keeping his composure to find the bottom corner. At the end of the day, it was this strike that gave Milan the three points and considering how difficult these months have been for the winger, he deserves the MOTM award here.

Pulisic (6.5): He played in a more central role today and got the assist for Chukwueze early on, putting the right weight on the pass. Obviously, as for all of the attackers after the red card, it wasn’t easy but he did well in possession – forcing a great save out of the keeper – and also helped Terracciano quite a lot.

Okafor (7): We all know his qualities, and he was able to show his main strengths on the opening goal. It was a fantastic run to beat his man, with power and confidence, and there can be no complaints about the pass into the centre. He was subbed off at half-time due to the red card.

Morata (6): He had quite a good opportunity in the first half, receiving a cross that had just the right pace, but his header was straight at the keeper. Then, especially after the red card, he focused more on working hard for the team. Enough to get a pass for sure in the end.

Substitutes

Musah (6): The American played with composure and combined well with his teammates, but there was one occasion where he backed himself into an exposed position (tried to dribble too much). Thankfully, Udinese didn’t convert the chance but it still keeps Musah from a higher rating here.

Abraham (N/A): It was a very unlucky few minutes for him on the pitch. First, he missed a rebound from close range and in the collision that followed, he seemingly dislocated his shoulder. Let’s hope it’s nothing too serious. We could be harsh and give him a 5 for the missed chance, but we’ll refrain.

Loftus-Cheek (5.5): He failed to bring the ball down on more than one occasion and then missed a simple pass to put Fofana through on goal in injury time.

Tomori (N/A): We didn’t see enough of him to give a rating.