Inter Milan striker Marko Arnautovic demonstrated “the good, the bad, and the ugly” against Atletico Madrid.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, note how the Austrian’s performance ran the full gamut of quality.
Arnautovic came on at halftime in yesterday’s Champions League round of sixteen first leg.
An injury to Marcus Thuram meant that the former West Ham United and Stoke City striker had a full half of football in which to make an impact.
And Arnautovic’s performance started off reasonably well.
The 34-year-old used his size and physicality to hold the ball up. He did not look out of place as he brought teammates into play in the final third.
But Arnautovic’s performance became frustrating when it mattered most, at least initially.
The substitute was the player on the end of a flowing counterattacking move by the Nerazzurri. He received a perfect delivery from Federico Dimarco on the left, but his finish left much to be desired.
This was the bad side of Arnautovic’s game. If the veteran striker’s holdup play is hardly in question, there have been doubts about whether he can be clinical in front of goal since he joined Inter.
“The Good, The Bad & The Ugly” From Marko Arnautovic Vs Atletico Madrid
Arnautovic also missed another very good chance to put Inter ahead.
There was a real worry that it was just going to be one of those nights from the Austrian.
Arnautovic looked a player low on confidence and composure.
But that did not mean that the striker gave up. And this allowed Arnautovic to have the confidence to gamble on a run to meet the rebound from a saved Lautaro Martinez effort.
This proved to be exactly what Inter needed, in just the right moment.
Arnautovic put the memory of his awkward finishes earlier in the half behind him.
By hook or by crook, the 34-year-old became Inter’s unlike hero, giving them an advantage to hold onto in the second leg of the tie against Atletico.
