I think we all knew that newly promoted Eibar would give us a very difficult game and it proved right. A fairly uneventful first half saw the new look Valencia with a 3-5-2 formation battle in midfield with few opportunities at either end. Paco showed his worth again after 30 minutes steering in a loose ball after a long pass from De Paul put Piatti through on goal. The keeper rushed out to smother but Piatti managed to get to the ball first and get in a cross for Paco to scramble it home.
The second period followed much the same pattern with the sticky water soaked pitch and pouring rain playing a major role in the quality of the football which was not great. It obviously suited the Eibar style of play more than ours. They are a team with few frills and like to play a high pressure game quickly getting the ball forward without too much tiki taka.
Valencia, at times managed to play some decent football with the new look team with Barragan and Gaya left out of the defence and the system seemed to be working well. Fresh legs were needed and after 59 minutes Feghouili was replaced by Barragan to stiffen the defence and after 70 minutes Gaya came on for Piatti in a straight swap. We managed to keep the one goal lead and a welcome three points were achieved going into the Christmas break putting us back into the Champions League place as the game between R. Madrid and Seville was put back to a later date.
Most of he crowd of under 5000 would have gone home disappointed but the 100 or so Valencia supporters who had made the long journey would have been more than happy with the three points that keeps us up with the leaders for the 2 week break
Performance Ratings
Alves 7 Faultless performance in very difficult conditions for a keeper. We pray that he stays fit and available.
Mustafi 7 The BMW just keeps putting in a top notch performance each week.
Otamendi 7 The rock, apart from one crazy loose ball was as good as ever. Probably the only player we would really miss if he was injured.
Orban 7 Had another great game and can he do the job of Fuego against Real Madrid. I think so.
Fuego 7 Pity about the booking which will prevent him playing against Real Madrid.
Parejo 6 Again, I think he is not at his best at the moment not doing enough for me. He needs to get more involved and be stronger in the tackle
De Paul 7 Showed again that he should be a regular now and not before time. His height and strength are needed in the middle
Feghuili 6 Not his normal high standard but worked hard as ever.
Alcacer 6 Worked hard at times but went missing for periods. He will be pleased though with his goal after a barren spell in the league.
Negredo 6 Can do better and we need some goals from him but puts in a good work rate. His first full game with Paco and I think they should play closer together as a partnership
Piatti 6 Made the goal and worked hard before being substituted.
Subs
Barragan 6 Shored up the defence for the final minutes
Gaya 6 Did what was needed
Valencia, at times managed to play some decent football with the new look team with Barragan and Gaya left out of the defence and the system seemed to be working well. Fresh legs were needed and after 59 minutes Feghouili was replaced by Barragan to stiffen the defence and after 70 minutes Gaya came on for Piatti in a straight swap. We managed to keep the one goal lead and a welcome three points were achieved going into the Christmas break putting us back into the Champions League place as the game between R. Madrid and Seville was put back to a later date.
Most of he crowd of under 5000 would have gone home disappointed but the 100 or so Valencia supporters who had made the long journey would have been more than happy with the three points that keeps us up with the leaders for the 2 week break
Performance Ratings
Alves 7 Faultless performance in very difficult conditions for a keeper. We pray that he stays fit and available.
Mustafi 7 The BMW just keeps putting in a top notch performance each week.
Otamendi 7 The rock, apart from one crazy loose ball was as good as ever. Probably the only player we would really miss if he was injured.
Orban 7 Had another great game and can he do the job of Fuego against Real Madrid. I think so.
Fuego 7 Pity about the booking which will prevent him playing against Real Madrid.
Parejo 6 Again, I think he is not at his best at the moment not doing enough for me. He needs to get more involved and be stronger in the tackle
De Paul 7 Showed again that he should be a regular now and not before time. His height and strength are needed in the middle
Feghuili 6 Not his normal high standard but worked hard as ever.
Alcacer 6 Worked hard at times but went missing for periods. He will be pleased though with his goal after a barren spell in the league.
Negredo 6 Can do better and we need some goals from him but puts in a good work rate. His first full game with Paco and I think they should play closer together as a partnership
Piatti 6 Made the goal and worked hard before being substituted.
Subs
Barragan 6 Shored up the defence for the final minutes
Gaya 6 Did what was needed