Player ratings: AC Milan 1-0 Udinese

AC Milan picked up three crucial points as they beat Udinese 1-0 after late drama. Although it had to be a defensive performance given the red card, several players performed well and below are the ratings for the Rossoneri.

If you haven't already, be sure to check it out how we decide on player ratings. From the scale to the impact on the rating, we have put everything together there.

Starting XI

Maignan (6.5): Ultimately it didn't matter as VAR and referee ruled it offside, but it was a great save from close range on the first shot. Other than that, he wasn't really tested despite Milan being a man down for most of the game.

EMerson Royal (6.5): It was probably one of his best games for Milan. He was very willing in the aerial duels, winning most of them and pushing forward at the right moments both defensively and offensively to make life difficult for Udinese.

Thiaw (6): The German performed much better than what we have seen in recent months and even showed some confidence by pushing up and winning the ball high. The situation at the end (the disallowed goal) was incredibly delicate and none of the defenders can really be blamed for that.

Pavlovic (6.5): Even though he had some risky moments, such as the penalty situation being reviewed (but not given) by VAR, he did more good than harm and actually played quite an important role, all things considered.

Terracchiano (6): The criticized full-back played a reversed role before the red card and was fine in possession throughout the game. He certainly didn't take a lot of risks, but that was almost what we wanted from him and defensively he was okay too.

Fofana (7): He was immense for most of the game, especially early on as it didn't look like he could be dispossessed. Although most of his work in the second half was defending, he helped in several counterattacks by combining with his teammates.

Reijnders (N/A): It seems only fair to give him no rating today as it wasn't a red card. There was hardly any contact and the Udinese man clearly tried to take advantage of it by successfully deceiving the referee. A big mistake from the latter.

Chukwueze (7 – MOTM) It was a very good finish to the goal where he kept his composure to find the bottom corner. Ultimately, it was this goal that gave Milan the three points and considering how difficult these months have been for the winger, he deserves the MOTM award here.

Pulisic (6.5): He played a more central role today and got the assist for Chukwueze early on, adding the right weight to the pass. Obviously it wasn't easy for all the attackers after the red card, but he was good in possession – he forced the goalkeeper into a great save – and also helped Terracciano a lot.

Okafor (7): We all know his qualities and he was able to show his greatest strengths when he scored the opening goal. It was a fantastic run, beating his man with power and confidence, and you can't complain about the pass into the middle. He was substituted at half-time because of the red card.

Morata (6): In the first half he had a pretty good opportunity to receive a cross at just the right pace, but his header landed straight at the goalkeeper. Then, especially after the red card, he focused more on working hard for the team. Enough to definitely get a pass in the end.

Substitute

Musah (6): The American played with composure and combined well with his teammates, but there was one occasion when he retreated to an exposed position (tried to dribble too much). Luckily Udinese didn't take advantage of the chance, but that still prevents Musah from getting a higher rating here.

Abraham (N/A): It was a very unfortunate few minutes for him on the pitch. First he missed a rebound from close range and in the ensuing collision he appeared to have dislocated his shoulder. Let's hope it's nothing too serious. We could be harsh and give him a 5 for the missed opportunity, but we will refrain from doing that.

Loftus Cheek (5.5): He failed to bring the ball down on more than one occasion and then missed a simple pass in stoppage time to put Fofana on goal.

Tomori (N/A): We haven't seen enough of him to make a review.