Olivier Giroud goes in net for AC Milan and pulls off crucial save in the 103rd minute, he’s a natural

There were some remarkable scenes in the final minutes of AC Milan’s drama-filled win over Genoa as seasoned veteran Olivier Giroud replaced Mike Maignan in the Rossoneri goal.

Stefano Pioli’s side, who had taken an 87th minute lead through Christian Pulisic, were reduced to 10 men soon after, when France international Maignan caught Caleb Ekuban with his knee.

Following a lengthy VAR check, the tackle was deemed as serious foul play, meaning that Milan had to play on with one less player as they had already made all five of their substitutions.

Giroud soon volunteered to take the gloves and it didn’t take long for the former Arsenal striker-turned-emergency goalkeeper to make his first save of the evening.

And it was arguably the best – and most important – save of the Serie A clash.

Giroud rushed off his line to intercept a potential goal scoring opportunity, showcasing impressive reflexes to parry the ball into a safe-ish area.

He then moved quickly to smother the ball and cancel out any potential tap-ins.

Genoa would continue to push for an equaliser but, after their goalkeeper was also sent off for a 103rd minute challenge on Fikayo Tomori, they failed to grab any points at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

After the full-time whistle, Milan manager Stefano Pioli opened up about Giroud’s unexpected appearance between the sticks.

“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,” he 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.”