Olivier Giroud produced a brilliant save after replacing goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who was dismissed in the 8th minute of additional time in the second half.
Giroud’s monstrous save proved crucial as he helped secure a 1-0 victory over Genoa in Serie A.
Olivier Giroud was the hero for the Rossoneri on Saturday, October 7, 2023, as he produced a worldie to send AC Milan to the summit of the table.
Mike Maignan was sent off for a foul on Caleb Ekuban late in stoppage time and fellow compatriot Giroud took the responsibility of a goalkeeper, as manager Stefano Pioli had used all his available substitutions.
Albert Gudmundsson had initially curled a free kick against the bar from the edge of the area before Olivier Giroud stood up to be counted in the 15th minute of additional time in the second 45.
The Frenchman threw a fist at the ball to save his team’s blushes, before fully capturing the ball moments before the referee blew for full time.
Genoa’s goalie Josep Martinez was also sent off in the 13th minute of stoppage time after he was given a second yellow for a dangerous foul on Yunus Musah.
Giroud sharing his thoughts on assuming the responsibilities of a goalkeeper
Speaking on the experience of being a goalkeeper in the dying embers of the clash with Genoa, Olivier Giroud said:
“I’ve never experienced that in my career and I’m proud of the whole team. We fought like lions.”
Giroud also said that he was going to frame his goalkeeping shirt against Genoa on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
He added: “The final stop? I made a great save at the end. Almost a goal. Calabria massacred my arm but it’s okay… I’m going to frame this shirt!”
Stefano Pioli’s side moved to the summit of the Serie A table, 2 points ahead of 2nd-place and perennial rivals Inter Milan, who drew 2-2 with Bologna on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic scored the decisive goal for AC Milan against Genoa, scoring in the 87th minute of proceedings.
Pulisic was ably assisted by compatriot Yunus Mensah, and he took the chance with massive aplomb, following a well-deserved cross from Menasah.
Olivier Giroud was introduced in the 66th minute, replacing Alessandro Florenzi and he turned out to be the hero of the evening in Genoa, Italy.
Would Mike Maignan lose his spot to “goalkeeper” Olivier Giroud?
On a lighter note, it appears goalkeeper Maignan should be scared of losing his number 1 role to Giroud, who put in a great shift on October 7, 2023.
Rossoneri faithfuls had their hearts in their mouths when Genoa came attacking in the dying moments of that clash, but their fear was alleviated after the stop from Olivier Giroud.
The Frenchman joined AC Milan from Chelsea on July 17, 2021, for a fee of €2.85 million.
He has made 96 appearances for AC Milan, scoring 36 goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions.
Moreover, Stefano Pioli’s side welcome Juventus in their next Serie A encounter on Sunday, October 22, 2023, and the game promises to be a blockbuster.
