Olivier GIroud donned the goakeeping gloves in AC Milan’s win over Genoa (Picture: TNT Sports)
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 imense 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 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.
Olivier Giroud made a crucial late save in Milan’s win over Genoa (Picture: Getty)
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‘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.’
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‘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.’
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