Tremendous Eagles ahead Ademola Lookman delivered a second of brilliance on Friday night time on the Gewiss Stadium, scoring a dramatic late winner to safe Atalanta a 2-1 victory over AC Milan.
The hosts started the match with outstanding depth, seizing an early benefit by means of Charles De Ketelaere’s well-placed header within the twelfth minute to make it 1-0.
Nevertheless, their benefit was short-lived, because the Rossoneri responded swiftly, leveling the rating by means of Álvaro Morata simply ten minutes later.
La Dea managed a lot of the primary half however have been unable to capitalise on their dominance earlier than the interval.
Atalanta continued to dictate play within the second half, but struggled to seek out the decisive breakthrough. Ademola Lookman got here shut within the 79th minute, solely to see his exact effort denied by an outstanding save from Mike Maignan.
The Nigeria worldwide had one other alternative within the 86th minute, however Maignan as soon as once more showcased his high quality, thwarting Lookman’s strike with one other excellent cease.
Simply when it appeared the match was destined to finish in a stalemate, Atalanta delivered a late twist. Within the 87th minute, a well-placed nook was expertly flicked on by Saeed Kolasinac, discovering Lookman on the far submit, the place he calmly slotted dwelling to safe the dramatic victory.
The Nigerian ahead’s decisive contribution not solely sealed an vital win for his facet but in addition strengthened his rising status as a robust contender for the CAF Participant of the 12 months award.
The victory elevated La Dea to the summit of the standings with 34 factors, sustaining a two-point cushion over Napoli, who’re set to host fifth-placed Lazio on Sunday. In the meantime, AC Milan discover themselves in seventh place with 22 factors.
Lookman’s match-winning efficiency: A show of precision and willpower
Lookman showcased his high quality in Atalanta’s victory, leaving a long-lasting impression earlier than being substituted within the 89th minute for Marco Brescianini. Coming into the match with an anticipated objective (xG) of 0.43, the 27-year-old lived as much as the billing with a decisive contribution.
He registered three photographs heading in the right direction, together with his match-winning strike, alongside one off-target effort and a blocked try.
With 50 touches and a passing accuracy of 79% (19 profitable passes from 24 makes an attempt), he was integral to Atalanta’s attacking circulate.
He additionally created one key move, gained 4 of 11 floor duels, and was good within the air, profitable his sole aerial problem. He was deservedly named the Man of the Match for his excellent efficiency.
Lookman has been a standout performer for Gian Piero Gasperini’s facet this season, contributing to 12 objectives in 12 Serie A video games. He has scored eight objectives and offered 4 assists, averaging 69 minutes per match.
