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

I don't know if it is field condition or just our players' rusty skills, but I don't see smoothness of our play. Yepes did great (better than Nesta today) both offensively and defensively. I don't see Sokratis much, but I suppose that is a good sign. Antonini was horrible defensively yet again. Silva was still adjusting to his new role; speaking of which, I admire Allegri's determination experimenting. When Nesta was off injured, I thought that he would pull Silva back to CD but he called in Sokratis instead.

I am happy that we got the lead. Cesena, though much depleted, was such a decent side. We should kill the game off quickly, or we could be in trouble.

Originally Posted by abbeyleemaniac

Goalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

ibrahimovicccccccccccccccccccccccccc

No, it's an autogoal.

Originally Posted by Arildonardo

Actually it was an own goal by Pellegrino. His second own goal in a week. Did the same against Roma last weekend.

someone please check his bank account.

i think merkel was great, along with robinho and cassano.
he was very calm on the ball and provided numerous runs in the box...very good for me

also, antonini is so fking bad, why do we have him?!?!?

and cheers to yepes, good stuff

Great game of football so far. Cesena were brilliant early on and caught us unaware as we hadn't settled at all. Antonini has been poor defensively and could have cost us on numerous occasions.

That said, after 25-30 minutes we clicked (I think Ambro and Thiago found their tandem in midfield and that helped the shape of the team) and it was simply a treat to watch. We totally dominated the end of the half creating a huge number of chances and finally scoring with an own goal. However, Allegri must be credited as he quite clearly gestured to the players to play balls in behind the Cesena defence, which is how we created most of our chances.

Robinho right now is our most influencial player in attack. Not only is he everywhere but his quality on the ball has been superb to say the least (well, all except maybe his finishing). Also lots of credit to Merkel who has been excellent in the first half and also Yepes, who has been very solid for us.

Originally Posted by hitmannq8

It is the right thing to do. He needs to work hard to earn his place, and hopefully I am sure he will earn it back. I am not a fan of people getting the easy way through, it doesn't inspire people to work hard. Hopefully this is what will put Pato back on the right track to being a world class player.

Agree completely. I said after the Bari match that Pato's position in the lineup is dependant on his effort, and right now it can't be denied the current trio are taking their opportunity brilliantly. There's a fair chance we'll see Pato in the second half (Cassano doesn't have 90 minutes yet), so I'm looking forward to see how hard he works to regain his place.

Originally Posted by Aficio

Cassanoooooooooooo the architect

lol, that was exactly what I said when we scored. Are we onto a new nickname for Antonio

Originally Posted by Arildonardo

Robinho shoots like a 9 year old girl... What a waste of finishing.

he should dribble past every player including the goalkeeper then pass to another player - otherwise he would still miss the goal.

that reminds me of a joke on Bierhoff. his header was out of the world compared to his feet which were kind of mediocre relatively speaking, that someone said (jokishly) that he should take the penalty with his head.

Could've and should've added at least two more goals. After some nervy early moments we really took control in the final 20-25 mins, created many chances and half-chances. Actually our 3 midfielders didn't do anything special IMO, just trying to keep it tidy and simple and give the ball to either Cassano or Robinho. Also Yepes deserves the credit too for his commanding display. Let's keep up the high tempo and kill the match ASAP.

I've gotta say, as much as I love Pato, I think our striking trident is a lot more cohesive and collaborative with Cassano playing alongside Robinho and Ibra. Pato's always trying to take on the opposing team by himself.

I also have to hand it to Allegri for having the balls to experiment with our depleted squad. So far, so good though. Forza Milan

First half over. I was generally dissapointed with the first 20 minutes or so before we really got a hold of the game. Luckily towards the end of the first half Cesena really opened up but still didn't manage to go forward very effectivly. We were able to hit them on the counter attack well. Merkel was very good in the transition from midfield to attack, and Ambrosini played very well. I thought that the Nesta injury would get us off our game but we ended up getting more comfortable which obviously lead to the goal. First half ratings

Abbiati-7 He wasn't really in action that much but still celebrated his return from injury very well. Had a couple of good saves and saves our sorry butts a few times during the begginning.

Antonini-4 Offered a little going forward but defensivily seemed very confused. Had one mistake that looked very costly. Probably our worst player.

Yepes-8 Did really well under the circumstances of him going in after Gattuso's injury. Carried the ball forward really well and had great distribution. Generally a good first half, he nearly scored as well.

Sokratis- 6 Average half he didn't do anything really good or bad. He seemed a little confused as did the entire defense. Right when he went on you could tell he was confused if we has supposed to press or have an offside trap.

Abate- 6 Average half. So so going forward and didn't make many mistakes. Didn't really put a mark on the game. Hopefully he can link up with the midfield more.

Ambrosini- 7 Played well was really good in the transition from defense to attack. Distributed very well and got forward with some good darting runs.

Merkel- 7 Carried the ball forward really well. Obviously a highly skilled player that definatly has the oppurtunity to become world class. One goal scoring oppurtunity that he blew but a generally positive half. Dribbled fast and exploited space.

Thiago Silva- 6 Seemed very confused and uneducated in his new position. He is good going forward but was obviously uncomfortable. Linked up with Robinho well a couple of times. Generally alrihgt

Robinho- 9 Perfect amount of skill and distributed wonderfully. Should have scored but was generally amazing. Hopefully he can do the same in the second half.

Ibrahimovic- 9 Got himself into good positions and he maybe scored the goal. He really is a world class player and the best in Serie A, and even in the top 5 in the world.

Cassano- 6 Average. Distributed well but during certain times he seemed to dissapear. I think that he should be taken out for Pato.

Well now time for the second half!

Originally Posted by El Fre

i think merkel was great, along with robinho and cassano.
he was very calm on the ball and provided numerous runs in the box...very good for me

also, antonini is so fking bad, why do we have him?!?!?

and cheers to yepes, good stuff

I was hoping that Merkel would be more excited (not nervous).

Originally Posted by ACMILAN1983

lol, that was exactly what I said when we scored. Are we onto a new nickname for Antonio

true. his assist to Ibrahimovic (which he wasted) was fantastic too.

Originally Posted by ACMILAN1983

lol, that was exactly what I said when we scored. Are we onto a new nickname for Antonio

Yeah, a great one, but he must show something more to earn it

Abate's passing is terrible, if he can pass a through ball to Ibra, we would get a second

Abate good pass to ibra...he also cut the Cesene counter. Bravo Abate.

Wow, I played Abate down, then he showed some skill

Great tackle from Silva. Great counterattack and however Robinho gave up. Because of fairplay.