AC Milan failed to extend their winning run as Atalanta prevailed 2-1 thanks to a late goal. After a promising first half, the Rossoneri faded in the second and below are the player ratings, with quite a few struggling.
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 XIsMaignan (7 – MOTM): He may have conceded twice, but he could do nothing about the goals and was essential in the build-up for Milan. Without his comfort in possession, Atalanta likely would have dominated the affair as the Rossoneri would have had not time to rest. He also made several saves, including a great one on Retegui at the end.
Emerson Royal (5.5): He struggled a bit with his positioning in the first half, as Atalanta easily seemed to pick out space on the right, but he improved significantly in the second half. Having said that, he could have done more on the goal even if everything went fast (and maybe the first header should have been picked up instead). He did help save another goal at the end, though it would have been better to stop Lookman’s effort.
Gabbia (6): The academy product has some good interventions and, once again, got the positioning more or less spot on. He was able to win back the ball as well as block efforts, it’s a shame for the defenders that the two goals came on set pieces.
Thiaw (6): Just like his colleague, it was another very solid display and considering just how lethal Atalanta have been in attack, conceding due to set pieces is a good grade for the centre-backs. Thiaw in particular was strong in the duels and also had some good passes forward.
Hernandez (5): This will sound very harsh given it was a good pass for Leao on the goal, but as the captain of the team, he must do so much more. He often found himself beaten by Bellanova, especially when Atalanta played one-twos which shows a lack of concentration, and his passing in attack left a lot to be desired. Whatever form he used to have, he just doesn’t have anymore.
Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty ImagesFofana (6.5): At the end, he seemed to be the only one trying with the pressing and he was honestly very unlucky in that sense, nearly winning the ball back in dangerous positions several times. He also looked good on the ball and when dropping down.
Reijnders (5.5): It was bound to happen, but this was a visible drop from the Dutchman. The passing just wasn’t there, especially the combinations which almost always failed, and he didn’t add the x factor in midfield that Milan so desperately needed tonight.
Musah (5.5): He was responsible for an incredibly silly foul which led to Atalanta’s first goal, which is a shame as he was okay overall. In fact, he had some good runs forward and this helped, even if the final pass was often missing. Still, it was an obvious and fatal error.
Pulisic (N/A): He had a good chance inside the first 15 seconds but the shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Perhaps he could have done better, but the finish wasn’t bad per se. He was taken off after around 35 minutes due to an injury, so no rating here.
Leao (6): Credit where credit is due for that run and cross for Morata, also trying to make a lot happen in the first half. However, he faded almost completely in the second half and just stopped running on most passes, which you never want to see. Granted that he didn’t have a lot to work with, he also wasn’t hugely successful when he did have the ball – apart from the goal of course.
Morata (6): Right place, right time on the goal and some good combinations overall. Similarly to Leao, though, the second half was a slog for him and the feeling is that he especially should have demanded Milan to pick up the tempo.
SubstitutesLoftus-Cheek (6): The Englishman had some good runs forward and also did well defensively, but it wasn’t spectacular from him tonight.
Abraham (N/A): We didn’t see enough to give him a rating.
Chukwueze (N/A): We didn’t see enough to give him a rating.
