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AC Milan - Milanfan.com _ Matches _ Serie A - Week 16 - Roma - Milan
Posted by: han2503 Dec 18 2014, 11:46 AM
Where: Stadio Olimpico Rome
When:
20th December 2014 @ 8:45pm CET
Head-to-Head Record
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 18 2014, 05:23 PM
MILANELLO - On Thursday afternoon, Filippo Inzaghi held his pre-match press conference ahead of Roma-Milan scheduled for Saturday evening at 20.45 at the Stadio Olimpico:
Opening comments: "Against Napoli we made an important step forwards but we can’t get ahead of ourselves though. I have to be rational. I was happy as of the Sampdoria match. Since then we’ve had a constant growth and perhaps we were just missing an important win against a big side. There is now another big match and let’s see how it plays out.”
A focus on Saturday’s match against AS Roma: “It’s a match that every player wants to play in. We know that on paper it’s a tough match but a side like Milan that aims high has to go there and play an open game. We have to play the perfect match. We’re Milan and we’re not afraid of anyone. We’re ready and I’ve noted that the players are very motivated, they cannot wait to play a match like this. I am calm and I think we will have a great match. If they end up being better than us, we will accept that, but they will also have to play very well to beat us. We will have to press them high up."
A word on Menez, who on Saturday will be facing his former side: “I don’t know on what terms he left Roma and how they will welcome him. Menez has enough experience that he doesn’t need my advice. He’s mature and he can have a great match. He thanks me, but he has to thank himself for the attitude that he has, I hope that he continues to grow until he becomes a leader of this club. The difference is made by the willingness of a player towards the coach. I tried to understand with Menez the role in which he would perform best and in training I realised that as a centre forward he plays very well, but I do this with every player, trying to understand in what role or position that they perform best. I choose the formation based around the players."
Inzaghi continued: "I am always very calm because I see how the players train, even after the match against Genoa I remained calm, angry because we didn’t deserve to lose, but we were on the right path. We have very little to lose against Roma, it would be important to obtain a positive result for our future. I look at the performance, and I hope that after a great match against Napoli, the team repeats that type display. It won’t be easy but we’ve prepared for it well, the squad is focused. I am satisfied with the desire and the attitude. It’s good to note that there is a nice harmony from the words of the players. After the winter break we will have a complete squad and I am sure that with a full squad we can achieve great things. I am satisfied, but it would be very important to get a result in Rome."
On Conte and the meeting this week with the Serie A club coaches: "I have an excellent relationship with Conte. We all want the best for the Italian national team and my availability and that of Milan’s in giving a hand is there. I am proud of my players if they play for their national sides."
Inzaghi's comments on Stephan El Shaarawy and Torres: "El Shaarawy has always played, it’s clear there is a lot of competition, but Stephan is very calm and I have a brilliant relationship with him, I hope that he finds consistency with his performances and in scoring goals to help us make a step forward. I think there is mutual respect, I’ve always told him to stay calm, I don’t look at one moment but the attitude. It’s down to me to put him in the best condition possible. Torres has recovered, he had a bit of a fever, but he trained today. We will probably have Alex available for the bench who won’t be in great shape, but 20 or 30 minutes yes. As for Abate and De Sciglio, we will have to wait until after the winter break."
There was also a question about the transfer market which re-opens in January: "No one has asked to leave and our biggest buys will be the 4 players we get back from injury in January: Abate, Alex, De Sciglio and Rami. This morning I spoke to Saponara who like Niang, Albertazzi and Zaccardo are those that have been used less. I am sure that had they been called upon, they would have done their duty."
source: acmilan.com
Posted by: X-Offender Dec 18 2014, 07:53 PM
Mediaset have Muntari starting. Hopefully they're wrong like last time. Is Poli suspended? If not, I see no reason in changing a midfield that worked well against Napoli.
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 18 2014, 08:16 PM
No. According to Gazzetta Milan will play the same formation like against Napoli, just with Zapata in defence instead of Rami.
Posted by: Danny Dec 18 2014, 11:55 PM
Sounds like finally some continuity. Zapata works well with Mexes, albeit better with Alex. So the defence, while difference from v Napoli, will still be half decent.
It's the FB positions we're in peril regarding.
Posted by: X-Offender Dec 19 2014, 12:58 PM
Mediaset have Poli now as well. Thank god.
Posted by: Danny Dec 19 2014, 03:55 PM
I'd rather MvG but he's injured. Poli had a terrible second half last weekend. Hope that was a blip.
Posted by: X-Offender Dec 19 2014, 07:31 PM
It doesn't matter. He's miles better than Muntari, and much more reliable.
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 19 2014, 09:27 PM
At the end of Friday's training session, Filippo Inzaghi named a 23-man squad for Saturday’s match at the Olimpico against Roma: Abbiati, Agazzi, Diego Lopez, Albertazzi, Alex, Armero, Bonera, Mexes, Zaccardo, Zapata, Essien, De Jong, Montolivo, Muntari, Poli, Saponara, Bonaventura, El Shaarawy, Honda, Menez, Niang, Pazzini, Torres.
source: acmilan.com
I hope Inzaghi plays: Diego Lopez, Zapata, Mexes, Alex, Armero, De Jong, Montolivo, Bonaventura, Menez, Torres, El Shaarawy.
Posted by: Danny Dec 19 2014, 09:41 PM
I hope never to see Torres in a Milan shirt again. Bona does more up there than he does, so best to have him there, and Poli in his slot in midfield.
Bona's better as AM but Torres (and SES tbh) is just garbage and offers nothing.
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 19 2014, 10:19 PM
Bona's better as AM but Torres (and SES tbh) is just garbage and offers nothing.
I think you are very impatient and tick off players to quickly if they don't perform as you expect them to perform.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 19 2014, 11:08 PM
Agreed
I don't get your instant judgement of certain players Danny
For example, Armero, you've been going on and on about him playing ahead of DS for months now, and even if he hasn't been stellar, he's been sort of decent to okay in the games he's played, I've personally always said to you when you wanted him ahead of DS that I don't trust him as a defender, and his performances so far have shown that he's a lousy one at that. But that being said, he's a nice back up to have for DS, especially when you accept his limitations, especially as a FB. So I don't get your complete 180 turn on him after one single game.
Same goes with Torres, you were all for giving him a chance when we signed him, and personally I don't feel like what little we've seen of him was a real chance for him. He played in games where we put out some of our worse performances mostly thanks in part to the horrific midfield Pippo played behind him, he was barely even given anything to play off of. The goal he scored against Empoli was purely down to his talents as a striker because that was a very difficult header to pull off, let alone score from it.
I just feel that a lot of people (not just you but you're the one on here that jumps most at me when I think about lack of patience) just don't give players enough time, especially when we're in a situation where we just cannot throw away a player who is good but is underperforming. This is not 2004, we do not have a squad filled to the brim with world class talent and we can just overlook a young player or a player who is not performing to his standards.
That's why I don't agree with the 3 of you here who would jump at selling SES without waiting it out a bit more, it's not like there's some great big offer for him that we can't miss out on. At this point we'd lose money off him if we sell him now. That's why I don't agree with discarding Torres so quickly because the alternatives to him are the non-striker Menez and the ghost of the former striker known as Pazzini. Menez is what he is, sometimes he can pull off some brilliant stuff other times you want to take his head off with a machete. And Pazzo is finished these days.
That's why I did not agree with Mexes basically being banished for all those months while our defence was falling apart while others were okay with it because Mexes does not fit into the fantasy mould of what a Milan player should be (even though that mould was thrown away years ago). Forget the fact that he's our most naturally talented and skilled defender along with Alex.
That's why I did not agree with people who constantly got on Abate's back, even though he's been an exemplary professional throughout his time at Milan and has improved in leaps and bounds over the years. Oh but he can't cross, let's throw him out and get some other guy who played 3 games in the WC with Croatia, surely he's better than Abate even if he did end up going to Sassuolo and no one has heard from him since.
My point is, we currently do not have the luxury to throw good players away because we have some fantasy of signing better players instead, we're probably never going to sign big players for as long as Silvio remains president. So personally I would like o see us at least try to make the best out of what we currently have
Posted by: Danny Dec 19 2014, 11:11 PM
5 months is enough time. That's not too quickly at all.
Posted by: Danny Dec 19 2014, 11:12 PM
I don't get your instant judgement of certain players Danny
For example, Armero, you've been going on and on about him playing ahead of DS for months now, and even if he hasn't been stellar, he's been sort of decent to okay in the games he's played, I've personally always said to you when you wanted him ahead of DS that I don't trust him as a defender, and his performances so far have shown that he's a lousy one at that. But that being said, he's a nice back up to have for DS, especially when you accept his limitations, especially as a FB. So I don't get your complete 180 turn on him after one single game
Way to go to make sh*t up again.
I just feel that a lot of people (not just you but you're the one on here that jumps most at me when I think about lack of patience) just don't give players enough time, especially when we're in a situation where we just cannot throw away a player who is good but is underperforming. This is not 2004, we do not have a squad filled to the brim with world class talent and we can just overlook a young player or a player who is not performing to his standards.
That's why I don't agree with the 3 of you here who would jump at selling SES without waiting it out a bit more, it's not like there's some great big offer for him that we can't miss out on. At this point we'd lose money off him if we sell him now. That's why I don't agree with discarding Torres so quickly because the alternatives to him are the non-striker Menez and the ghost of the former striker known as Pazzini. Menez is what he is, sometimes he can pull off some brilliant stuff other times you want to take his head off with a machete. And Pazzo is finished these days.
That's why I did not agree with Mexes basically being banished for all those months while our defence was falling apart while others were okay with it because Mexes does not fit into the fantasy mould of what a Milan player should be (even though that mould was thrown away years ago). Forget the fact that he's our most naturally talented and skilled defender along with Alex.
That's why I did not agree with people who constantly got on Abate's back, even though he's been an exemplary professional throughout his time at Milan and has improved in leaps and bounds over the years. Oh but he can't cross, let's throw him out and get some other guy who played 3 games in the WC with Croatia, surely he's better than Abate even if he did end up going to Sassuolo and no one has heard from him since.
My point is, we currently do not have the luxury to throw good players away because we have some fantasy of signing better players instead, we're probably never going to sign big players for as long as Silvio remains president. So personally I would like o see us at least try to make the best out of what we currently have
Done?
Posted by: han2503 Dec 19 2014, 11:12 PM
How many games has he started in those 5 months?
How can you say that is enough time to make your judgment?
Posted by: han2503 Dec 19 2014, 11:14 PM
Done?
Making sh!t up?
What?
You wanted Armero to start ahead of DS for months now. And now that we're seeing him play regularly you've done a complete 180 turn on him and have mostly been overly critical of him after every one of the games he's played, even when he wasn't as bad as you were making him out to be. How is that making stuff up?
Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 19 2014, 11:37 PM
Big Big game this one.
Wouldn't have considered a game against Roma as this Big. But its like a CL knockout game in terms of positioning on the table. Roma will be a tough nut to crack, and I wish the lads the best of luck for this challenge.
Posted by: Danny Dec 20 2014, 12:40 AM
What?
You wanted Armero to start ahead of DS for months now. And now that we're seeing him play regularly you've done a complete 180 turn on him and have mostly been overly critical of him after every one of the games he's played, even when he wasn't as bad as you were making him out to be. How is that making stuff up?
Because I never said I wanted Armero to start ahead of MDS. I've told you this 400 times and still you don't seem to be grasping it.
I said, and I borderline quote the 400 times I said this: 'I wanted Armero to start ahead of OUT OF FORM MDS, in order to give him competition for the LB and know he wasn't getting it by default - give him a kick up the backside and make him work harder to regain form'. If MDS was even half form Armero could stay on the bench. If I have to tell you this once more I am flying to Malta, picking up a small stone and flinging it at your foot.
And he's been absolutely rubbish, with only you defending him, like you're the only one defending SES as well.
See, unlike you Han I am willing to change my opinions based on what I see, and if a player I thought was great clearly stinks, I have absolutely no quarrel pointing it out. Likewise if I think a player sucks but he plays well, I give credit for it.
Now...please, leave me in peace!
Posted by: Danny Dec 20 2014, 12:45 AM
Wouldn't have considered a game against Roma as this Big. But its like a CL knockout game in terms of positioning on the table. Roma will be a tough nut to crack, and I wish the lads the best of luck for this challenge.
I'd like to see:
Lopez, Bonera (no other option at RB bar Zaccardo), Mexes, Zapata, Armero (no other LB option), De Jong, Monto, Poli, Bona, Menez, Honda.
In a choice between Honda, SES and Torres for the final slot in the front 3 I choose the least poor IMO but in reality you can pick any of those 3 and we'd be no better or worse off.
What a dreadful clutch of players.
Posted by: X-Offender Dec 20 2014, 02:36 AM
Lopez, Bonera (no other option at RB bar Zaccardo), Mexes, Zapata, Armero (no other LB option), De Jong, Monto, Poli, Bona, Menez, Honda.
In a choice between Honda, SES and Torres for the final slot in the front 3 I choose the least poor IMO but in reality you can pick any of those 3 and we'd be no better or worse off.
What a dreadful clutch of players.
Personally I'd give Torres another chance. Have Menez and Bona acting behind him.
Posted by: Danny Dec 20 2014, 03:15 AM
Don't see any reason to give Torres a chance when we beat Napoli without him and had something akin to a working attack in that match.
If we'd lost that one or played poorly then sure, why the hell not, but Torres just doesn't offer anything.
PS Menez would actually be required to pass to Torres which is extremely unlikely as well 
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 10:20 AM
I said, and I borderline quote the 400 times I said this: 'I wanted Armero to start ahead of OUT OF FORM MDS, in order to give him competition for the LB and know he wasn't getting it by default - give him a kick up the backside and make him work harder to regain form'. If MDS was even half form Armero could stay on the bench. If I have to tell you this once more I am flying to Malta, picking up a small stone and flinging it at your foot.
And he's been absolutely rubbish, with only you defending him, like you're the only one defending SES as well.
See, unlike you Han I am willing to change my opinions based on what I see, and if a player I thought was great clearly stinks, I have absolutely no quarrel pointing it out. Likewise if I think a player sucks but he plays well, I give credit for it.
Now...please, leave me in peace!
It's a technicality that you're trying to pass off on. I always said that no matter what form DS is in, he's still a much more solid and dependable defender than Armero is, simply because he's an actual defender which Armero isn't.
No matter how you try to put it, you wanted Armero to start ahead of DS more than once, and to say now it's only because DS was not in form doesn't really change that fact
Also, where have I been praising him? Quote one post from me where I actually did that. I believe I said "he gives me the runners when he's defending", "our FBs are a catastrophe atm (on BOTH sides)", Oh and "Armero simply can't defend".
I accept his limitations but I think he hasn't been as bad as you've made him out to be, he's got an assist and made some decent interventions, but would I get down on my knees and pray to have DS back at this point? Yes, of course.
And don't act all high and mighty about how you can change your opinion but I can't, just because I'm unwilling to completely throw SES or Torres under the bus does not mean I'm unwilling to change my opinion. I'm willing to change my opinion if I've seen enough evidence to the contrary of what I think. And so far I'm not yet willing to completely give up on either those 2.
And I really don't get you, you want a forum that is active but anytime anyone (not just me) disagrees with you, you get defensive and then shut them out. Isn't the point of a forum to debate and even argue (civilly) about different topics?
Posted by: Danny Dec 20 2014, 01:14 PM
Oh for God's sake.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 02:32 PM
Making my point...
Posted by: Danny Dec 20 2014, 02:35 PM
No Han, you're making an argument where there isn't one. And refusing to accept a peaceful end to a debate, choosing always to argue on. Just agree to disagree, because I can't be bothered any more.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 02:43 PM
This is what you always say to anyone who disagrees with you.
I'm not trying to start an argument, but I did initially make some valid points which you arrogantly dismissed.
But yeah, let's agree to disagree although I don't even know what I'm agreeing to disagree about...
Posted by: Danny Dec 20 2014, 03:08 PM
Just you.
Yes you are.
But yeah, let's agree to disagree although I don't even know what I'm agreeing to disagree about...
You're acting like the kind of Internet person I'm getting really tired of.
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 20 2014, 03:56 PM
Roma have conceded 4 goals in their last two home league games, as many as they had suffered in the previous 10 fixtures.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 04:29 PM
Yes you are.
You're acting like the kind of Internet person I'm getting really tired of.
You just did this very same thing to Fillipo a couple of weeks ago... But okay, it's just me...
I agree to disagree...
Posted by: Danny Dec 20 2014, 04:40 PM
I agree to disagree...
Funnily enough I remember this, and it was about Armero as well.
Both of you failed to understand my wording. So if by 'did this' you mean 'couldn't be *rsed with being misunderstood and just wanted to move on' then I am guilty all ends up.
PS: Let's move on, for our sanity.
I just want to chat about Milan, not argue semantics. Which is all I was doing when you strode into a comment about Torres with a great big rant about me.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 06:48 PM
Both of you failed to understand my wording. So if by 'did this' you mean 'couldn't be *rsed with being misunderstood and just wanted to move on' then I am guilty all ends up.
PS: Let's move on, for our sanity.
I just want to chat about Milan, not argue semantics. Which is all I was doing when you strode into a comment about Torres with a great big rant about me.
The rant wasn't about you, it was about people in general not giving players enough time before they completely shun them (I added the not just you bit in brackets, don't know if you saw it). My rant was mostly about the fact that we do not have the luxury to be so picky and choosy while we're in the current situation that we're in
Yeah sure, you sparked the rant because you tend to be either completely black or white with someone (no in-between), but it wasn't really about you specifically
Posted by: William405 Dec 20 2014, 08:34 PM
OFFICIAL LINEUPS
Milan (4-3-3): Lopez; Bonera, Mexes, Zapata, Armero; Montolivo , De Jong, Poli; Honda, Menez, Bonaventura.
Roma (4-3-3): De Sanctis; Maicon, Manolas, Mapou, Cholevas; Keita, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Florenzi, Totti, Gervinho
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 08:43 PM
Milan (4-3-3): Lopez; Bonera, Mexes, Zapata, Armero; Montolivo , De Jong, Poli; Honda, Menez, Bonaventura.
Roma (4-3-3): De Sanctis; Maicon, Manolas, Mapou, Cholevas; Keita, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Florenzi, Totti, Gervinho
Gervinho up against Bonera...
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 08:48 PM
Started well...
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 09:09 PM
We just have no presence up front
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 20 2014, 09:16 PM
If we are going to defend like this, why not starting El Shaarawy instead of Honda so we get chances at least on counter attacks ?
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 20 2014, 09:21 PM
Ohhhh, If only Poli was more accurate, he could have scored from 45m on the abandoned goal. Damn
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 09:24 PM
what a shot Mexes
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 20 2014, 09:25 PM
Woooow great shot by Mexes, if only that went in.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 09:32 PM
We're not going to do anything playing like this
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 20 2014, 09:33 PM
Not bad in this first half, knowing that we are the underdogs.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 10:11 PM
Armero, what an idiot
And the ref just played to Roma's complaints there, didn't look like he was going to give it before they started bitching!
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 10:22 PM
You're in a bad situation, what should you do? Oh yeah, bring on Muntari for sh!ts and giggles!! FFS!
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 20 2014, 10:29 PM
I'd be pleased with a draw like now.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 10:33 PM
Lopez has pulled off some stunning saves today
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 10:37 PM
Phew...
FT
A point from this match is a decent return especially having played close to 30 minutes with a man down
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 20 2014, 10:40 PM
FT
A point from this match is a decent return especially having played close to 30 minutes with a man down
Agreed. I wonder who will we play as LB for the next game though.
Posted by: maldini03 Dec 20 2014, 10:47 PM
Wow, after last weeks win I thought we would come out with more fire, but we seemed very content to play for the tie. Lopez saved us more than once, and for me he was the Motm. I officially hate Kieta. The ref wasn't going to give a red until he petitioned for one, but Armero did play the ball with his hand. The game plan seemed to be counter attacks, but Inzaghi should have played SES, one of his assets is his speed, something Honda lacks. I thought Honda was the worst player out there for us, and Poli was our best outfield player. He doesn't bring much to the table but I appreciate his work ethic.
Posted by: Danny Dec 20 2014, 10:48 PM
After the excellent display and deserved win v Napoli, we couldn't have worked harder for that point.
Totally committed, every player put in a shift, and just...at last, signs Pippo's Milan is starting to gel.
They're playing for each other, putting their bodies where it hurts, and while the football isn't terrific, the character is getting there.
I won't even mention the disgusting behaviour from Keita...
Ratings:
Lopez: 8 One crazy move off his line aside, he was outstanding. Wasn't overly pushed second half, but his work in the first was top grade.
Bonera: 8 Frankly he was excellent. Might have offered zero as an attacker, but defensely he put barely a foot wrong tonight.
Mexes: 7 Other than that stupid altercation with Ljajic, another fine night at the back from him. Did make a couple of small errors but a decent display.
Zapata: 8 I didn't see him do a single thing wrong. When it comes to dynamic game-saving tackles, he's one of our best players.
Armero: 6 He was ok, seems to be improving per match but doesn't offer a lot as an attacker. The sending off was unlucky at best and shocking from Keita at worst. Yes he handled but since when was Keita the ref?
Monto: 7 Good work in the middle, not the best passsing in the first half but grew as a defensive organiser as it went on.
De Jong: 7 Solid. Might have conceded a penalty, and like Monto guilty of some poor passing but defensive wise he put in a shift.
Poli: 6 Like in the other match I noticed, might have been Genoa, he was guilty of lazing off in the second half. Works well in the first but just seems to lose interest in the second.
Honda: 6 Absolutely nothing as an attacker but can't deny his defensive work. It was excellent.
Bona: 7 Work work work. A few mild defensive lapses near the end but this guy commits his every cell every match.
Menez: 9 The selfish side of his game is decreasing per match. Simply collosal and did everything and even more for the team while adding as much skill as he could. Our player of the moment by a mile.
Subs:
Alex: 9 Not match fit by a mile and yet absolutely superb for the 30 minutes he played. Won everything he went near. Milan's best defender by a distance.
Muntari: 7 Was horrified when he came on but he worked hard and there was no hint of the lazy strolling that lets him down.
SES: 0 Shite.
Pippo: 8 He got his team right, and they're starting to believe in him.
Really good night all round, absolutely overjoyed with a point.
WITH TEN MEN!
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 11:03 PM
I think (hope) DS will be back since we go out for the break now and there won't be another game next week. I know Abate will most likely be back by then
I don't think it has anything to do with interest (or lack-there-of), I think he puts in so much effort for 80% of the game that when the clock starts crawling around the 70th ~ 75th minute he's just about running on fumes. Same goes with Bonaventura as I think you pointed it out right, he did get a bit sloppy in those last few minutes and I think that's because he works SO much during the game that he - like Poli - starts to fade a bit as the clock wears on
Okay, now I know you're just taking the p!ss about this, he came on during injury time, he touched the ball TWICE.
As for the game in general, I think this no striker system hurts us more than it actually helps, sure defensively we have an extra man but we're mostly impotent in attack unless Menez manages to pull off some wonder move against 3 players on his own. We just have no presence up there, even Pazzo would help us a bit more.
Bonaventura and Honda both do a lot and they both bring in a lot of industry into our midfield/attack, but Menez still has to go deep/wide to get the ball, and when he does that there's just no one ahead of him and he basically just runs into a cul-de-sac of bodies and we concede possession back to the opposition
I really do think that either Torres should be given some more time or SES needs to be tried out in the striker position and Menez given a free role in behind him, with Honda making way for now
Still it's great to take a point off them, makes losing points against Genoa (ironically the only game any of us thought we'd get something out of before these last 3 games were played) so frustrating because we could have been in a very good position going into the winter break
Posted by: Danny Dec 20 2014, 11:34 PM
Yeah and both touches were turd. One of them he went alone rather than sliding for Muntari, and the other touch he had all the grace of an itchy verucca.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 20 2014, 11:53 PM
Are you serious man? He had just gotten on and he was up against 2/3 players both times.
There's deserved criticism and then there's what you're doing now.
You gave Muntari a 7 for barely doing anything, I think I saw him touch the ball a max amount of 4 times and he was supposed to be in the "thick of things" defending for his life.
Posted by: Danny Dec 21 2014, 12:10 AM
Like Menez...
You gave Muntari a 7 for barely doing anything, I think I saw him touch the ball a max amount of 4 times and he was supposed to be in the "thick of things" defending for his life.
Back to Muntari...
Posted by: X-Offender Dec 21 2014, 02:43 AM
Very important point. I was expecting us to get demolished. Roma weren't very impressive, though. If only we hadn't lost against Genoa, these last three games would have been a very successful run.
Posted by: Danny Dec 21 2014, 03:09 AM
Roma, for about 15-45 minutes showed why they're second and we're 7th. While they didn't score they controlled the game, made chances, and forced Lopez into many fine saves.
It's a bit harsh to say they weren't impressive during that period, and on another day they'd have won handsomely. In fact they did. This time last year and the year before - when Abbiati was in goal. Lopez was the difference first half.
Second half I agree they crumbled - while we worked hard, their creativity reduced to pretty much zero and their crossing was absolutely abject. But the thing is, and the UK commentators pointed it out - a major reason we nullified their threat was a tactical ploy from Pippo - by putting Honda on Florenzi and Bona on Gervinho we massively reduced their creative threat. Gervinho was still good, but Bona reduced him to only one real moment, and that moment ended with a stunning save from Lopez and a brilliant clearance from Alex. It made those two (Honda and Bona) creative-wise pretty much impotent but it stopped Roma as a threat.
I've been incredibly critical of Pippo but his tactics worked tonight and his team played for him.
We even survived it with 10 men, which showed, for the first time, his ability to resort to a plan B, which was a 4-4-1 formation. Which also worked.
It was a good performance from us - we saw why Roma are second, but we have a better goalie now and our defence worked well, even if our passing was mostly ghastly.
It was a hard working display, and your fears about 2 or 3 points were wrong. One defeat, a win, and a draw - a very, very good return for such a hard run of games.
If we can continue this form, sign a decent striker or two and get our best players back, we actually have a chance of a top 3 finish. Yes, I said it.
We can finish third, but we need to maintain this momentum, play our best team plus get in essential players next month.
Do that and...yes, it's possible.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 21 2014, 11:10 AM
Back to Muntari...
Oh, did Menez run through those 3 players and score a goal which I personally don't know about. And it's not like it's the same situation anyway, there's a difference when a players is in the rhythm of the game because he started from the 1st minute and someone who came on the 90th minute.
And I wasn't going to mention Muntari but your ratings were hypocritical to the extreme since you gave Muntari a 7 (as much as Mexes, Monto, De Jong and Bona - 4 of our best performers imo) when he didn't do jack sh!t and you gave SES a 0 just to be antagonizing.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 21 2014, 11:10 AM
Back to Muntari...
Oh, did Menez run through those 3 players and score a goal which I personally don't know about? And it's not like it's the same situation anyway, there's a difference when a player is in the rhythm of the game because he started from the 1st minute and someone who came on at the 90th minute.
And I wasn't going to mention Muntari but your ratings were hypocritical to the extreme since you gave Muntari a 7 (as much as Mexes, Monto, De Jong and Bona - 4 of our best performers imo) when he didn't do jack sh!t and you gave SES a 0 just to be antagonizing.
Posted by: Danny Dec 21 2014, 01:40 PM
To who?!
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 21 2014, 05:21 PM
Did anyone see the offside goal of Menez ? It was incredible !
https://vine.co/v/OXbYU0wZYKO/embed
Posted by: han2503 Dec 21 2014, 06:06 PM
Posted by: Danny Dec 21 2014, 09:18 PM
https://vine.co/v/OXbYU0wZYKO/embed
Yes it was. Man has astounding amounts of talent.
Posted by: han2503 Dec 21 2014, 10:20 PM
I only he was consistent, he'd be a top player by now. But then again, that's a catch 22 right there because if he were consistent and a top player he certainly wouldn't be playing for us...
Posted by: d'Arc.LP Dec 21 2014, 10:39 PM
Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 7 2015, 01:28 PM
Too late, but anyhow - here is the Roma-Milan http://www.milanfan.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8483&st=0
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