After a first draw in Bordeaux which did not give many clues about the current level of the VAFC, the victory against Le Havre reassures a little more. Even if it is only the beginning of the season, VA is full of confidence before moving to Metz.
The impact of the result:
In order not to fall back into a scenario similar to that of last season, namely a Valenciennes team very little respected at home, victory against Le Havre was essential. Thanks to a goal from Ilyès Hamache in the first quarter of an hour, it’s done. This single goal allows VA to take three important points from an accounting point of view, but above all for confidence. The lessons of the failed start to the season last year have obviously been learned. After a draw in Bordeaux, and a victory against Le Havre, it is a confident VAFC that begins a pivotal week of work in August. Next Saturday, for his second trip of the season, another relegated FC Metz awaits Nicolas Rabuel’s men with a firm footing.
Player of the game:
This is a surprise that we did not necessarily expect. Mathieu Debuchy’s last-minute package forced Nicolas Rabuel to trust Eric Vandenabeele to start the game against Le Havre. In 90 minutes, the Calaisien made everyone agree. With seven clearances, he is the Valenciennes by counting the most. The former Grenoble player seemed very serene in his defensive role, even sometimes under pressure from the Normans. If the VAFC held on in the second period, it was thanks in particular to the successful performance of its central defender.
Match ratings
The statement :
“We have a few situations to go to +2, but in the future we will have to vary between transition situations and have more control. The context means that, it was the first home game, we felt that the players were not too comfortable compared to last season. The idea was to say that last season is over, now we are moving forward. To move forward, this kind of victory is very important. »
Nicolas Rabuel, VAFC coach
The statistics :
180 – Since the start of the season, the VAFC has not yet conceded a single goal. Gautier Larsonneur then holds a series for the moment promising 180 minutes without seeing his nets tremble in an official match. By adding the playing time taken during friendly matches, this statistic even rises to 330 minutes (by adding Zulte-Waregem and Dunkirk), since the former Brestois has not conceded a single goal since he arrived in the North.
Tweet of the game:
It’s nice to see this VA there…with a @EricVDA holder who is having a good game after all the pbs he has had since his arrival…a good entry from Flo Martin…and a team that wants…#VAFCHAC
— Fred Bertaux (@BertauxFred) August 6, 2022
Arthur Lasseron
