Player Ratings: Empoli 0-2 AC Milan – Pulisic and Gimenez rescue Rossoneri | OneFootball

AC Milan eventually managed to clinch all three points against Empoli and they have their subs to thank for it. In particular, a certain duo made the difference and below are the player ratings for the Rossoneri.

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 XI

Maignan (6): It was a much-needed clean sheet for the Frenchman but it must be said that he wasn’t tested that much by Empoli. Lorenzo Colombo hit the inside of the post, but that was pretty much it. Still, the keeper did well with his feet.

Walker (6.5): The experienced right-back had a crucial block in front of goal in the first half and defended well throughout the game. He had to move to centre-back for a while after the red card and did well there.

Tomori (5): Yes, it was an offside and that certainly put the Englishman at a disadvantage going into the challenge. The actual yellow cards, however, were clear and the feeling is that he wasn’t as assertive at the back either.

Pavlovic (6): The Serbian did well throughout the game and put up a good fight with the Empoli attackers. However, he wasn’t quite as assertive as we have become used to – same with Tomori – and it allowed Empoli to pick up some loose balls.

Hernandez (7): He has seemingly regained some important form in recent games, starting with the derby really, and tonight was another mix of good attacking contributions and solid defending. Now he actually wins 50-50 balls, sometimes even ones you think are lost, so that is very nice to see.

Image: AC Milan

Musah (6.5): He started the game as the right midfielder, moved to right-back and then finished it as a central midfielder. Some fans were perhaps surprised to see Fofana taken off at HT but honestly, it was absolutely the right choice as the American was more dynamic and secure with the ball tonight. He has bounced back from the Dinamo disaster for sure.

Fofana (5.5): Once again, despite having got some rest recently, this was another poor game from him. The passing was far from 100%, with some sloppy giveaways, and he loses duels that he previously would have won with ease. It was right to take him off, no doubt.

Reijnders (6): He moved over large spaces and showed off his ability on the ball a couple of times, even if he didn’t get into that many dangerous chances tonight. A couple of poor giveaways in the build-up, with Milan a bit exposed, lower his rating here.

Jimenez (5.5): The youngster started the game very well, lively on and off the ball, and had some good moments. However, everything was a bit too rushed from him after that and Milan’s attack suffered as a result.

Abraham (5.5): He potentially could have had a penalty, brought down quite early in the game, but one can see the other side of the argument as well. Aside from that, the Englishman had a couple of chances in good positions but was too indecisive, so it was right to take him off.

Joao Felix (6): The creativity he adds is undeniable, helping Milan create chances throughout the game and causing problems for Empoli. However, he was not good enough in the decisive moments tonight, squandering a few good opportunities and missing a huge one. But enough to get a pass still.

Substitutes

Leao (7): He made things happen from the get-go and eventually got the crucial opener for Milan with a nice header. Right place, right time. However, before the goal and before the red card, he missed a pretty big 1v1 as he tried to square it to Gimenez. He should have been more selfish and this brings down his rating a bit, even if he added a lot of good stuff.

Pulisic (8 – MOTM): Talk about being decisive off the bench with few touches. Milan attacked mostly on the left after the subs but as soon as the American got a chance to take on his man 1v1, he took it and delivered a lovely cross for Leao. Then, he fought to get the ball and set up Gimenez for the second. Crucial actions for the Rossoneri.

Gimenez (8): Say what you want about that red card being given, but the striker made sure to make the most of the situation and probably saved Milan by doing so. Then, he bagged his first goal for the club with a lovely finish. It is what the Rossoneri have been missing for so long. He never looked in doubt when he got the space.

Thiaw (N/A): We didn’t see enough to give him a rating.