Milan 1 Bologna 1

The race is long, but in the end it is only against yourself...

That little quote rings very true for Milan's season. It was their title to lose, their points to drop, and their losses to manage. At the end of the day it was not Juventus that won the title, it was not Fiorentina or Bologna who spoiled the proverbial party. It was Milan, and only Milan, who as Sunday's match wore on looked less like a team and more like a collection of defeated players who didn't know what else to do as their season slipped away.

Is the title race over? No, not neccesarily, but chances are slimming significantly. In fact this Bologna game was telling. Pioli's Bologna is an exciting team, not the most talented, but gifted with individual talent in the form of Di Vaio, Diamanti, and Ramirez. Good teams don't let individuals beat you, and on this day Milan was not a good team, good performances, few mind you, but it was the collective effort that was truly lacking. Van Bommel and Seedorf struggled to get into a rhythmm and meet the pace of the match and withouot that central link from defense to attack the team struggled. Attack wise, it was another battle of frustration, not something new, but on good days Milan find a way to overcome it, on this day it was nowhere to be found. An ever present triple team on Ibra meant space for someone, but Robinho was not on his game and lately is making his way out of my favor. I always gave him a long leash, his work off the ball is/was fantastic, but Sunday was fruitless and his attitude and work ethic are mirroring that of his Brazilian striker teammate. With the Tevez on the horizon possibly this summer selling him and Pato is looking more and more sensible as the transfer season nears.

Some players put in valiant efforts, Nesta was one urging the team forward when no one else seemed willing. Allegri was quick to make changes and attack this match but even the inclusion of Cassano and Urby at LB couldn't provide the spark they needed. Urby's pass was excellent to assist the goal, but it was the case of to little to late and a must win three pointer, turned into two points lost at home. Made all the worse by Roma's no-show against Juventus. Should we be surprised? Whenever Milan have counted on Roma they have proved time and time again that they are not up to the task, and that is why you NEVER count on someone's else result. A lot to talk about in the next few days, with Genoa on Wednesday. Not throwing in the towel just yet, and hope you don't either...