AC Milan managed to dig themselves an even bigger hole for themselves following their visit to Bologna, losing the game, meaning Champions League football is not within reach as things stand.
After the rather disappointing performance against Torino, Milan played just as poorly, if not worse, against Bologna, creating very little in the process and scoring thanks to some individual brilliance from Rafael Leao.
A hot topic was the refereeing decisions throughout the game which, without a doubt, frustrated the Rossoneri players in the process, especially with the equaliser where a handball was pretty obvious to all except the refereeing team.
Nevertheless, the fact of the matter is that Sergio Conceicao’s side created nothing and really should’ve done more on both goals conceded, regardless of refereeing errors. Ultimately, the Diavolo were just not good enough nor up for the challenge on the night.
It’s rather surprising that after the first few games with Conceicao, where Milan showed a lot of desire and energy, we are now yet again watching a team that lacks energy, aggression and is now further away from the Champions League spots than when Paulo Fonseca was in charge. A depressing picture
Here are five things we learned from the game:
1. Jimenez dreadful at the back
With Walker recovering from a minor injury, Alex Jimenez was given the nod at full-back, but the Spaniard managed to get everything wrong in the Englishman’s absence.
The defending was laughable from the youngster when it came to the winning goal. Furthering this, he lost his duel with Dominguez down the right flank, allowing Bologna to create a lot of dangerous situations that the side.
In attack, Jimenez was equally as bad, offering little and when he did manage to get himself in dangerous positions his ball control let him down, which was unfortunately the case on multiple occasions.
The former Real Madrid man hasn’t really stuck to one position since joining the senior side, so maybe he can get a pass on the occasional bad performance. However, those are piling up now, and on top of that, his attitude also doesn’t seem right as he can’t compose himself.
A lot of work to be done if he wants to be a crucial part of this team.
2. Bittersweet performance by attacking duo
Leao and Santiago Gimenez combined for the opener with the Mexican winning the header and sending it towards the Portuguese, who managed to beat the keeper and score to give Milan the lead. Unfortunately for Conceicao, that was all we saw from the duo if we’re being fair.
The striker missed a chance early on, not even hitting the target and proceeded to be sloppy following the assist, notably having trouble controlling the ball before he was eventually subbed off for Luka Jovic.
Leao also did little, excluding that goal, as he couldn’t get the better of De Silvestri down the flank. The winger did try to drop deeper and help in the build-up, but that was not efficient either and he lost the ball cheaply on a few occasions, struggling to complete a simple pass, something which he consistently does too.
But to be fair we can’t be extremely harsh towards the duo as they did give Milan the lead and were not at fault for the poor defending and refereeing that followed in the second half.
3. Felix to be dropped?
There was, without a doubt, enthusiasm for Joao Felix after he joined just last month, but the Chelsea loanee hasn’t managed to win the fans over, even though he started in fashion with a lovely chip goal against Roma.
Since then he has struggled to have any impact in the crucial games in both the Champions League and Serie A and whilst his control and technique is evident, his efficiency in the final third is not. For this reason, it is not out of the question for him to be benched since he hasn’t demonstrated enough to be irreplaceable despite some good moments here and there.
4. Crack in the wall
It was about time that Strahinja Pavlovic had a game where he didn’t outshine all of his teammates, unfortunately, that came in this delicate moment where a win was a must.
The Serbian was actually very good overall, but the feeling is that he could’ve done a lot more on Bologna’s winner – a goal that was crucial in the top 4 battle, especially since Bologna are a direct competitor for that spot so we can’t give him a pass there.
The centre back then showed great energy to go forward and try to correct his mistake, but ultimately his mistake was costly.
Realistically, he was still the best Milan defender on the pitch so not the worst night out, but more is expected as he raised the bar previously.
5. Maignan reacts, finally
Mike Maignan was pivotal for the goal as he launched the goal ball forward towards Gimenez resulting in Leao’s goal and continued to be good with his feet.
On top of that, he made a couple of good saves to keep the Diavolo in the game and ultimately, he was not at fault for either of the goals.
It’s refreshing to finally see him not make sloppy mistakes since we know the quality he has and hopefully he can regain his form until the end of the season now, so the management won’t have to worry about the goalkeeper spot in the summer.
