AC Milan, leading the league, proudly showcases two title-winning bombers: one up front and the other... in goal. Which was better, Christian Pulisic's goal at 87' or Olivier Giroud's daring save at 104'? Everyone can choose their preference, but the essence is that this dynamic duo propelled the 'Diavolo' past Inter and beyond a 0-0 that seemed nailed to the Marassi field. They did it with special effects, turning what seemed like a mission impossible into a box office hit in the Serie A standings, as pointed out by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Pulisic and Giroud share a knack for crucial goals. Olivier has specialised in this for at least a couple of years now, his spins in front of the goal, from the brace in the derby to goals against Napoli, Lazio, and Sassuolo, marked the 2022 title run. Christian started right away, in the Bologna debut, as only the greatest have known how, then he got the hang of it: Torino, Lazio, and now the match-winning goal against Genoa. Impeccable control, an unstoppable spin in the presence of Musah, all validated after a long VAR scrutiny: the first twist of fate bears the signature of Milan's Americans, much to Gerry Cardinale's delight.
Since last night, Christian Pulisic is the top scorer for the AC Milan team in the Serie A league, hand in hand with Giroud: four goals each. The American did it in eight matches in red and black in the league and is already on his way to a personal record: he has only scored more goals in two seasons in his career in the top five European leagues, nine in 2019-20 (in 25 appearances) and six in 2021-22 (in 22 appearances), in both cases wearing Chelsea's jersey. Pioli tried to sketch a Milan without him and without the starting number 9, but didn't get much out of it. The revolution can wait; the restoration of the recovery has put Milan back on the right track, the one towards a championship pace.
No need to beat around the bush: alternatives will emerge over time, and the coach's trust can only speed up the process, but this Milan needs certainties to excel.
From Rafael Leao's sprints, who entered well yesterday, to Pulisic and Giroud's decisive strikes, the red and black attack cannot do without Pu-Gi-Le.
