Weston McKennie continues to be a key figure in the Juventus midifeld as he helped the team to a 2-1 win over Monza on Friday
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
McKennie starts in midfieldJuventus score stoppage-time winnerTitle race wide open in Serie AGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Juventus seized an early lead through Adrien Rabiot, who helped spare Dusan Vlahovic after an early miss from the penalty spot. Just seconds after the striker saw his spot kick saved, Rabiot headed home the ensuing corner kick to give Juve the 1-0 advantage.
That advantage remained intact right up until second-half stoppage time when the game truly began. Valentin Carboni scored a 91st-minute equalizer, seemingly stealing a point for Monza. It wasn't to be for the hosts, though, as Juventus went right back up the field and scored a goal of their own as Rabiot teed up Federico Gatti to make it 2-1 and, more importantly, earn all three points.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The win is a big one for Juve as they continue to keep up with the pace atop the table. With the result, they jump up to the top of the league , although that may only be temporary. Juve have a one-point lead over Inter, who would regain the top spot with either a win or draw against Napoli.
It seems the Serie A race will be down to the wire, with Juve, Inter, AC Milan and Napoli all believing they can win it, although the Bianconeri do have the advantage of a lack of European games. The three others, meanwhile, could be playing big European matches in the spring, which could tilt the title race in Juve's favor if they can hang around for that long.
Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT
McKennie continues to look more and more comfortable in the Juventus midfield. After everything that went wrong at Leeds United last Spring, the 25-year-old is looking very much like the player everyone knows he can be.
He's provided the energy needed to help power Juve's midfield unit since returning from a brief stint at right wing-back to open the season. His effort and energy are always there, as he's had no problem doing the dirty work, and his attacking output has been better than the stats say. While the Bianconeri aren't scoring much, McKennie has created a few good chances, including several during this match that weren't converted by those around him.
Overall, it seems McKennie's spot is safe for now as he's proven himself indispensable to Massimiliano Allegri's midfield.
GettyGOAL'S RATINGS
Weston McKennie (7/10):
A very solid performance that, on another day, could have included a goal or assist to add to a strong defensive effort. McKennie had four shots and one chance created to go with seven duels won vs only one lost. Overall, he helped run the midfield, even if his contributions will be overshadowed by Rabiot.