A Seydou Keita inspired Roma to a 1-1 draw on Monday night against league leaders Juventus in Serie A.
Rudi Garcia’s side looked lethargic and devoid of ideas for most of the match and only sprung into life after the introduction of their substitutes Alessandro Florenzi and Juan Iturbe.
A magnificent performance from Keita made the difference, his headed goal ensuring Juve did not extend their lead at the top of table.
Did we get our ratings right?
Morgan De Sanctis – 5.5 – Attentive
Didn’t have an overly busy night with just a few balls to deal with. No chance with the Carlos Tevez free kick though seemingly at loggerheads with team mate Kostas Manolas, arguing as they left the field at half time.
Vasilis Torosidis – 5.5 – Unfortunate
Decent start for the Greek full back, looked to get forward and support the strikers as often as possible even though his input was often lacking in quality. Unlucky to be sent off with second yellow which appeared an unavoidable trip on Arturo Vidal.
Jose Holebas – 6 – Danger
Great battle with Lichtsteiner, possibly lost out to the Juve wing-back but managed to get more crosses into Buffon’s box than any other Roma player.
Mapou Yanga Mbiwa – 5.5 – Limited
Too many errors for a centre back. Will do something right then something terribly wrong which will have Garcia and fans hearts in their mouth.
Kostas Manolas – 7 – Crucial
A first half block was almost turned into his own net but important as Alvaro Morata was poised to score. Looks composed and the best Roma defender right now.
Daniele De Rossi – 5 – Nervous
Too many fouls and looked uneasy. Roma looked much more effective after his substitution which will give Garcia food for thought.
Seydou Keita – 7.5 – Magical
Worked hard in the centre of the park but tried to break into the box as often as he could, especially when the ball was in wide areas, giving the Juve defence something to think about. Scored the header that might just keep the title race alive a while longer.
Miralem Pjanic – 5.5 – Missing
Neat and tidy but little to worry the opposition. Too many sideways passes that had minor impact on the play. Lacking in confidence as well as inspiration.
Francesco Totti – 5 – Sterile
The Juventus deep defensive line hurt the Roma skipper the most, suffocated for most of the game and unable to find space. Lack of pace makes him easy to mark if he fails to find room for maneuver. The team looked better without him.
Adem Ljajic – 6 – Lively
Great dribbling but usually found himself surrounded by black and white shirts. Unable to work himself into the 18 yard box where his skills can make a difference.
Gervinho – 5.5 – Quiet
Failed to use any of his pace against an organised Juve defence that never allowed him to get in behind the centre backs. Looked out of sorts for such an experienced player.
Substitutes
Alessandro Florenzi (65 mins) – 7
Juan Iturbe (70 mins) – 7
Radja Nainggolan (72 mins) – 7
