<!--Article Start--> <h3 style="text-align: justify"><strong>AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic came to the defence of Keisuke Honda after the Japan international midfielder came in for criticism following Sunday's 1-0 derby defeat to Inter Milan.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify">A 58th minute strike by Colombian Fredy Guarin settled what was a thrilling 'Derby della Madonnina' in front of 79,154 spectators at the clubs' shared San Siro ground.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">It sent Inter two points clear at the top of the table -- the first time they have topped the league in three years -- to boost their hopes of figuring in the scudetto battle come the end of the season.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Although Mihajlovic was buoyant in defeat, he was forced to defend Honda's performance in the role playing behind strikers Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Former AC Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban, now a respected pundit for Sky Sport, said: "Milan didn't play excellent football but they were better in midfield, give or take a few individual performances.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"Honda didn't get past his man all night and (Giacomo) Bonaventura struggled to settle in midfield."</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify"><strong>Honda did a lot of the dirty work - Sinisa Mihajlovic</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify">Mihajlovic, a former Inter midfielder who took over the Rossoneri reins in July, said he assumed the selection choices he made.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"He (Honda) did a lot of the dirty work," said the Serbian. "Certainly, he could have done a little better up front but that's football. When you lose, you're (considered) a sinner and when you win you are (considered) faultless."</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Both Inter, the 2010 Champions League winners, and seven-time European champions Milan failed to qualify for Europe this season.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">After bolstering their squads during the summer, both are hoping to return to the Champions League next season.</p> <p style="text-align: justify"><strong>By AFP</strong></p> . <!--Article End-->