An Unfortunate Blemish on a Decorated Record
In a turn of events that could scarcely be described as anything but bizarre, Malick Thiaw found himself unwittingly etched into AC Milan’s history books during their recent 2-1 defeat to Torino. The own-goal, which occurred in the fifth minute, was more the result of a goalie’s error than a defensive lapse, but it still managed to place Thiaw in an unfortunate company. What made this incident stand out even more was Thiaw’s previous own-goal against the same team earlier in the season, a rare feat that now aligns him with one of the club’s greatest legends, albeit in a less-than-glorious manner.
The Unjustified Blame
On the surface, Thiaw’s own-goal might seem like a glaring mistake, but those who watched the game understood that the blame lay elsewhere. The sequence of events unfolded as a ball was played over the top, with Thiaw and Torino’s Antonio Sanabria both chasing it down. Thiaw managed to get ahead of Sanabria and was in a position to either clear the ball or hold it off for goalkeeper Mike Maignan. However, Maignan’s decision to kick the ball directly at Thiaw and Sanabria led to the unfortunate deflection and own-goal. This critical error by Maignan, rather than any fault of Thiaw’s, was the true catalyst for the goal.
The Bizarre Record
Despite the clear culpability of Maignan, Thiaw’s own-goal nonetheless contributed to a peculiar record. As noted by OptaPaolo, Thiaw is now the first AC Milan defender to score two own-goals against the same team in a single season. This distinction, however grim, places him in a unique category within the club’s history. The only other player to achieve a similar feat was the legendary Franco Baresi, who scored two own-goals in the same match against Pescara in the 1992-93 season. While Baresi’s own-goals came in a single game, making them perhaps more excusable due to the intensity of the moment, Thiaw’s spread across two different matches adds an extra layer of peculiarity to the situation.
The Reverse Fixture and Room for Improvement
In the reverse fixture against Torino, Thiaw’s own-goal was more clearly his responsibility. The circumstances of that goal, while not under scrutiny in this particular article, highlight a critical moment where Thiaw could have done better to avoid the mistake. This contrast between the two own-goals underscores the nuanced nature of defending and the importance of decision-making in high-pressure situations. While the recent own-goal was largely due to Maignan’s error, the previous one serves as a reminder that even the best players can falter, and there is always room for improvement.
The Legacy of Franco Baresi
The mention of Franco Baresi in this context is particularly poignant. Baresi, a Milanesi icon, is remembered for his exceptional defensive skills, leadership, and loyalty to the club. His career at AC Milan spanned nearly two decades, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. The fact that Baresi, despite his illustrious career, still managed to score two own-goals in a single game is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football. It also adds a human element to his legacy, showing that even the greatest players are not immune to mistakes.
A Lesson in Resilience
For Thiaw, the bizarre record serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and self-belief. Despite the unfortunate own-goals, his contributions to AC Milan’s defense remain valuable. The supportive environment at the club, coupled with the understanding that football is a game of mistakes and learning, will be crucial in helping him bounce back from this unfortunate streak. As he continues to develop and grow, Thiaw’s ability to handle such setbacks with grace and determination will only strengthen his character and enhance his standing within the team.
