The Old Lady had a dismal start to the season, but are now more solid, efficient and in the Allegri style.
“We have players more suited to counter-attacks, those are their characteristics, so when we try to play the ball, we either fall asleep or get irritable.
“It’s an important victory, another step forward in the table and a further progress for the season. We were missing Dybala, De Ligt, Rabiot, Morata only came on at the end, but when everyone plays with that spirit, you don’t concede as many goals.
“We are starting to slow the game down at the right time, but we need to step up the pace too when it’s required. I won’t lie, I probably did damage too at the start with some of my choices, I had to get to know some players and their characteristics, but we’re getting there.”
The penalty save was a further step forward for Szczesny, who had been bitterly criticised by fans and media early in the season, but has rediscovered his form.
“Szczesny made all his mistakes for the season in one fell swoop and is now bringing back what he can to the team. We need to improve in the final third, the timing and movement, but we’ll get there.”