Stewart Downing - West Hahahaham player

[Zapater]

I've been a massive critic of him, because I think he's **** and have done for a long time, but today he was quality. I've been of the opinion that he's played very well against teams that play in lower divisions in the cup competitions. Which means he should be able to play in a similar fashion against lower level Premiership teams. As we all know he is shy of confidence, but when he plays against lesser opposition he shows it and plays one hell of a lot better. As I said, I'm not sure why he can't replicate this kind of performance against the likes of Sunderland, Villa, Wigan, Wolves etc because if he could he'd at least serve a purpose to help us break down smaller teams.

Anyway, good outing today, hope he gains something from it, but tbh I still can't see it.

[BubbaZanetti]

I've been a massive critic of him, because I think he's **** and have done for a long time, but today he was quality. I've been of the opinion that he's played very well against teams that play in lower divisions in the cup competitions. Which means he should be able to play in a similar fashion against lower level Premiership teams. As we all know he is shy of confidence, but when he plays against lesser opposition he shows it and plays one hell of a lot better. As I said, I'm not sure why he can't replicate this kind of performance against the likes of Sunderland, Villa, Wigan, Wolves etc because if he could he'd at least serve a purpose to help us break down smaller teams.

Anyway, good outing today, hope he gains something from it, but tbh I still can't see it.

His confidence is up and had he not played as well as he did, with so many others misfiring today, we may well have lost.

[danperkins]

Skrtel was man of the match by far, but yeah, he was good today.

Downing was having great game until he was switched to the right. But much improved showing and super peno,well done to him bout ****in time

[Buzzo]

Good game today....had the making of they're FB big time, and for once, his delivery cannot be laid entirely at his feet. Could have had a couple of assists but for better movement in the box.
One criticism would be the lack of shooting from him today...........but it wasn't a problem solely down to hm, but he got into decent positions after cutting inside and only took a chance once or twice.

I just popped in to this thread to post the same thing about his shooting, he seems to have an allergy. In the first half in particular he cut inside things opened up and instead of taking on the shot he looked for a one two.

Over all though he was much better, he looked more confident and direct and looked to take his FB on. I think the fact he skinned him for pace twice early on helped his confidence. Keep improving Stewart

[Rich]

Perhaps telling that he seemed to do better when he was moved away from Enrique.

[yamiedo]

I liked how direct he was today. Attacking defenders and he was our best attacking threat.

[BigChief]

Downing was having great game until he was switched to the right. But much improved showing and super peno,well done to him bout ****in time

Want to leave out any negativity but I was pulling my hair out at Dalglish for sacrificing our best player's position to accommodate Bellamy. Downing was roasting their their old-man right back for fun, why not keep him there all game?? And why was Kenny not kicking the midfield up their arses for not getting into to the box when Downing had the ball?

Downing went right, then mostly central and as usual cluttered up Gerrard and Adam's ball retention space. And that's as much KK's fault as Stewart's.

[Cormack74]

Fair play to Downing. A great performance in a cup final. Maybe it's to do with the size of the pitch and the fact that he feels there's more space compared to our pitch at Anfield.

I'm sure I once read that the Wembley super size pitch thing isn't actually true.

Maybe someone can confirm one way or the other?

[RichC]

Perhaps telling that he seemed to do better when he was moved away from Enrique.

thought for a while that as a duo down the left it just doesn't seem to work.

[Rich]

It's not the time and not the right thread but I'm getting cheesed off with Enrique.

[Fredo]

It's not the time and not the right thread but I'm getting cheesed off with Enrique.

He's not having the best of times. He's got many qualities but he should release the ball early. He dallies with it too long when players are into space. I think Downing struggles playing with him on the left because of that.

[BigChief]

He's not having the best of times. He's got many qualities but he should release the ball early. He dallies with it too long when players are into space. I think Downing struggles playing with him on the left because of that.

There's a seismic shift in confidence between Enrique and Downing. Now that Downing is playing better and Enrique going through a crisis, Stewart's giving confused looks and "what are you doing?" shrug of the shoulders. Used to be the other way round not long ago

I like how Downing is finally manning up to Enrique (and oppoosition fullbacks).

[Craig_H]

Great performance today Downing, between him and Skrtel for MOTM IMO. Hope this gives him the confidence to kick on, he's just done it on the big stage, no reason why he shouldnt believe in himself to produce it consistently.

[Buzzo]

I didn't think Enrique was that bad? Not as good as early in the season but far from ****e?

[Rich]

I didn't think Enrique was that bad? Not as good as early in the season but far from ****e?

He was fairly dire today, but it's the result that counts at the end of the day.

Enrique has all the tools to be a fab left back but holds onto the ball much too long and often plays the wrong ball. Today his defending also wasn't as good as it has been.

Feels wrong when we won but there you go. Must do better, Jose!