Antonio Valencia... | Will wear #25 shirt from this point onwards by request

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Hope you're right, my initial thoughts were that he was in a slump and that he'd hit the form he had again, but he really does look a shadow of the flying bulldog of a winger we had at the moment.
 
I think we've already seen that he has all the ability, and at least the majority of his pace and power he had before his injury. There could still be some concerns about stamina and fatigue over the course of a season but other than that.

What hurt him today is he seemed to be confused about where he was meant to be playing. He ended up playing an inside right role when space on the right wing was screaming at him to attack it, especially as we had nothing on the left.
 
Thank feck he had that good spell at the end of last season. Otherwise I'd be worried the broken leg left permanent consequences.

As it is, I know he'll come good. He showed in the last 5 minutes what he can do when he's a bit more positive. He just needs to get his confidence back.
 
Strong as an ox but he needs to use his left a bit more. He is still fast but I'd be worried for him getting to the line against a Premier League fullback. Thankfully it seems more of a fitness issue than lasting damage from injuries.
 
I thought he was one of our better players tonight. Along with Smalling and Gibson. I thought Berbatov was decent in the first half.
 
Couldn't understand why he wasn't sticking to the flank, particularly in extra time. We were so narrow as Diouf isn't a winger and Valencia was around the D. It played into CP's hands and I can't remember any decent chances created.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Thank feck he had that good spell at the end of last season. Otherwise I'd be worried the broken leg left permanent consequences.
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I almost added this exact thing to my response to kid cunto. The fact that he did show last season that he was capable of playing extremely well after his injury has me confident he will still eventually come good again.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Thank feck he had that good spell at the end of last season. Otherwise I'd be worried the broken leg left permanent consequences.

As it is, I know he'll come good. He showed in the last 5 minutes what he can do when he's a bit more positive. He just needs to get his confidence back.
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That's exactly it. You can tell from his body language that's he's doubting himself too much at the moment.
 
He really needs to put a good cross in early. It's like he is constantly waiting for the perfect time to release a cross but it just gives the defence time to organise. He'd be alot more successful swinging in a good early cross into the chaos.
 
He gets the ball in good positions and then just waits and waits before crossing to no one in particular. It's rather worrying that right now Smalling is better at beating his full back than Valencia is..
 
He's back, you could see the confidence flooding back because everytime he got the ball back after his assists he was driving at the defence.
 
ArmchairCritic said:
He's back, you could see the confidence flooding back because everytime he got the back after his assists he was driving at the defence.
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Yup. In very similar positions, prior to this, he was looking a little lost as to what one is supposed to do next. One of the biggest positives from today, for sure.
 
Very good performance.I'm happy for him as he seemed so frustrated lately.He's predictable alright but at times there is nothing the defender can do about it
 
Very good performance and the sort he was putting in in his first season. He's shown signs of returning to form lately and I hope he's now our first choice right winger.
 
Looking better, still not at his best. But a fully in form Valencia is vital for us. Nani was excellent on the left

Ashley young may find it tough to get back in the side
 
kouroux said:
Very good performance.I'm happy for him as he seemed so frustrated lately.He's predictable alright but at times there is nothing the defender can do about it
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When on bad form, he just runs out and tries to outsprint the defender. Today, he cut inside as well, he attacked the space all the time and it was hard to cope with his power and pace. Plus, his passing and crossing was very good. Thats the Valencia we need!
 
What a brilliant 2nd half he had today. I've been harsh on him but if only he can maintain that second half form of his and he'll be (cliche alert) just like a new signing.
 
Tony's BACK... Tony's BACK...
there’s all these bitches screaming that Tony's back!!
 
Been critical of his performances of late, but very nice to see him put in a good performance. Long may it continue! Bravo Tony.
 
Randall Flagg said:
Looking better, still not at his best. But a fully in form Valencia is vital for us. Nani was excellent on the left

Ashley young may find it tough to get back in the side
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He's an inferior player to Nani and Valencia, but his saving grace is that he's a left winger. If Nani can continue to play on the left like he did today then I doubt Young will be getting as many games.
 
I think he improved as the game went on. Not very clever with his decisions too many times. But i can see him improving as he gets his groove back.
 
Yep he has been great today, I hated watching him struggle for form. Today back to his old self.
 
Has figured how to cross a ball again, 3 assists in 2 games and looking quite dangerous going forward again.
 
Much much better from him today and nice he's carrying his form from the last game as well. Big bonus for us with nani playing well. Hopefully it'll cause young to up his game.
 
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