A.C. Milan vs. A.C. Cesena {23/1/2011, 20:45} San Siro

For me, I can't wait for Ibra, Pato and Cassano together. just imagine Pato got the supplies and chances Binho had, can we all say, hat trick.

Originally Posted by Gabriel489

For me, I can't wait for Ibra, Pato and Cassano together. just imagine Pato got the supplies and chances Binho had, can we all say, hat trick.

it's what i've been thinking too because we have yet to see those 3 players start together. They played together for 15 mins during that Udinese match when Cassano came in in the last 15 mins and we all know how that was

An exciting and uplifting game last night, exemplifying again the strength of our attack and the threat Cesena pose to teams in Serie A (I'm amazed at times they and Lecce are fighting legation).

Cesena were definitely the stronger side in the opening 20 minutes or so. They pressed us very well and were attacking our wide areas. It's common to see vulnerability in wide areas when playing with a line of 3 in defence or midfield, and Cesena tried to exploit this (and barring Abbiati making a couple of important saves, would have done so). After that we improved as we pressed higher in midfield (Thiago and Ambro had found the shape in midfield and pushed up), cutting the supply to Cesena's wide players. This also gave our fullbacks a chance to push forward and pin back the Cesena wide players and we did this well. Once this was done, the goal seemed inevitable and it came at the end of the half with Pellegrino scoring.

The second half continued where the first finished. We continued to press and Cesena struggled to push forward into attack. We played a very good game on the whole, but ultimately what also characterised our game was the number of missed chances, which we must convert as we saw against Lecce a 1 goal lead is never enough.

Allegri deserves a lot of credit for how he adapted to Cesena's approach. Asking the midfield to push forward to ease the pressure and to play through balls (or high balls) behind Cesena's defence was what unlocked their defence for us. He was also very calm and reacted well with injuries to Rino and Nesta, which are two important players for us.

Players...

Abbiati - A solid performance where he made important saves early on.
Abate - Continues to impress at RB. The French player on Cesena's right was tricky to deal with, but Abate did well and was always aware of his defensive duties.
Nesta - Injured early on
Yepes - Excellent performance. Lead the defence after Nesta came out and was a wall at the back.
Antonini - Mistakes almost cost us a few times, but improved as the team did. I feel for him as he's clearly trying hard but is also nervous.
Merkel - Excellent throughout. Didn't seem nervous on the occasion and played a simple solid game. His tactical discipline and workrate are very impressive.
Ambro - Excellent in the middle. I asked for more character and leadership from him after Lecce and he responded brilliantly.
Thiago - A few missed passes cannot undermine an excellent performance in midfield. Once he got in the game he was an awesome destroyer and regista, despite playing out of position. Surely one of the best players in the world right now.
Robinho - A brilliant performance as his movement, workrate and quality on the ball. His finishing though leaves a lot to be desired, a problem as had Cesena equalised, he would be partly to blame.
Ibra - There simply aren't enough superlatives to describe him now. He's simply incredible.
Cassano - Excellent movement and workrate, he has been the architect of many of our great moves.
Pato - I wasn't disappointed with his attitude on the pitch in the last 10 minutes. He worked hard to try and leave some stamp on the match such as tracking back to defend and looking to build attacks, though at one point he was clearly frustrated and the lack of runners beside him. What I would like to see more of is more movement off the ball, as he's often drifting in line with the defenders.

You missed Sokratis, ACMILAN1983

A win "without" the CBs pair Nesta & Silva must be a great one

Originally Posted by ACMILAN1983

Ambro - Excellent in the middle. I asked for more character and leadership from him after Lecce and he responded brilliantly.

could u please also ask Anto to learn a thing or two from Abate?

Originally Posted by LebRN

could u please also ask Anto to learn a thing or two from Abate?

If it was last year, I think we should switch Abate and Anto

Originally Posted by fLame

Oh yes! The Cassano - Binho - Ibra trio is really something, a real pleasure to watch.
Cassano is the creative force we have been missing. Binho... I don't care if he misses those chances till the end of the season, as long as he keeps doing what he does.
Ibra - our clinical deadly god.

Binho does miss chances I agree (even if Im a huge fan) but He sure does open up the play and has been giving amazing passes. Im Happy when we have many chances on goal.

I know its a bit early to be posting news of our coming matches, but Zarate has just been slapped with a 3 match ban, meaning he gets to miss our clash with Lazio on Match Day 23. Everything seems to be falling in place in the league, but I'm pretty scared that Nesta won't make it for the first leg of our CL game on the 15th....

The raw POWER and PACE of Thiago in midfield leaves me wanting for more. His speed in midfield to cut down players left me salivating. I'd have love to keep him at DM with two other players who can pass and run as well. With robinho as the linkup in midfield...would be pretty exciting.

Then my dream ends and there's Ambro, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf who are flawed players for my plan .

Bravo Thiago!

Originally Posted by Ryo

I know its a bit early to be posting news of our coming matches, but Zarate has just been slapped with a 3 match ban, meaning he gets to miss our clash with Lazio on Match Day 23. Everything seems to be falling in place in the league, but I'm pretty scared that Nesta won't make it for the first leg of our CL game on the 15th....

is that confirmed?

Originally Posted by Xudong

is that confirmed?

No, not confirmed, but if the prognosis says 2 to 3 weeks out, then that means he'll be barely making it, and will be lacking match fitness as well.
It is already the 25th of January you know.

Originally Posted by Ryo

No, not confirmed, but if the prognosis says 2 to 3 weeks out, then that means he'll be barely making it, and will be lacking match fitness as well.
It is already the 25th of January you know.

Those numbers are for Seedorf, mate. Nesta's are 3 to 4

Originally Posted by Aficio

Those numbers are for Seedorf, mate. Nesta's are 3 to 4

Meaning he still has a slight chance to make it. 3 weeks is a yes, and 4 is a no, because they say he'll be back in 3 to 4 weeks .

I wouldn't mind if he was playing in a cast though I doubt his opponents would like it very much.

Originally Posted by Aficio

You missed Sokratis, ACMILAN1983

A win "without" the CBs pair Nesta & Silva must be a great one

I just remembered that when I logged in just now lol. He was excellent to be honest. It was against Cesena earlier this season that he had his first fall in a Milan shirt, but he made ammends and was really solid. He was also confident enough to drive forward with the ball the odd time. Really pleased for him and hopefully this will be the first step of him gaining a strong position in the squad.