Olivier Giroud Goes in Goal as AC Milan Beat Genoa 1-0 to Go Top of Serie A
A late goal by Christian Pulisic earned AC Milan a 1-0 win at Genoa that put them top of Serie A on Saturday as striker Olivier Giroud went in goal after keeper Mike Maignan was sent off in stoppage time.
The game took a chaotic turn when Milan goalkeeper Maignan saw red for a foul on Caleb Ekuban late in stoppage time. Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Giroud donned the gloves with Genoa’s Albert Gudmundsson then crashing a free kick against the bar from the edge of the box.
Giroud, renowned for his goalscoring exploits, showed immense bravery and impressive dexterity to thwart George Puscas just before the final whistle when he rushed from his line and punched the ball to safety.
Milan Move Two Points Clear at the Top of the Table
Milan moved two points clear at the top of the table after rivals Inter Milan threw away an early two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at home to Bologna earlier on Saturday.
‘It never happened before, it was Christian Pulisic who wanted to go in goal and we told him he was too short, so Oli got the job,’ Milan manager Stefano Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
‘A lot of strange things happened during the match, we knew it would be difficult, but we held out well. This is a victory of mentality, character, strength and I am very satisfied with my players.
‘We had five away games in eight, so being in this position makes us very happy. We know that there are many things we can and must do better.’
Pioli: ‘It is Too Early to Look at the Table’
‘It is too early to look at the table, there will be three or four teams fighting for the Scudetto, but this result is important for self-esteem after a tough run of fixtures,’ Pioli added.
‘Just three days after the Champions League tie against a team in very good shape, it is remarkable to be able to put in a performance of this intensity and desire. Admittedly, it wasn’t the best on a technical level, but we believed to the end.’
Conclusion
Olivier Giroud’s heroics in goal were enough to secure AC Milan a 1-0 win over Genoa and take them to the top of Serie A. The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker showed immense bravery and impressive dexterity to thwart George Puscas just before the final whistle when he rushed from his line and punched the ball to safety.
Milan manager Stefano Pioli was full of praise for his players after the game, saying it was a victory of mentality, character, strength and that they had believed to the end. With three or four teams fighting for the Scudetto this season, it remains to be seen whether AC Milan can hold on to their lead at the top of Serie A.