A scrappy game, it was a little disappointing that we failed to control the game, after the promise of last week. It was made very difficult with Stoke scoring early they looked content to sit back and hold out for a result. This season Stoke have never lost if they have scored first, so they showed on Saturday what they have all season, determination and organisation. They aren’t the most attractive team to watch, but there is more than one way to play the game, and as Tony Pulis said after the game, they were pleased with the result as he feared a hangover after their Wembley appearance.

Not the best game

There was very rarely any momentum built throughout the game, with long stoppages taken by Stoke organising set pieces. They looked to play the ball long and direct up to Jones, which also disrupted any rhythm; Jones did well and kept both Collins and Dunne under pressure, closing them down and forcing them into mistakes, slicing clearances into touch which allowed Delap to launch his throws. Jones also knew when to stand off them, allowing them time to control the ball, only closing them down when his team was organised, forcing Dunne or Collins to hit the ball long into the congested final third. This caused any flow to be lost as the ball went back and forth with increasing frequency. Dunne and Collins have struggled to bring the ball out of defence, although yesterday Dunne made some promising forward runs with the ball, but ultimately lacked the finesse to find a pass, or ability to turn and lay it back to Petrov or NRC.

The two chalkboards show how deep and compact Stoke sat, in and around the 18yard box, even starker is the amount of completed passes we made in and around their box. The game desperately called for a clever player with guile, sharp control and an eye for a pass to play just behind Bent, and Heskey, whilst offering more assistance defending set pieces, isn’t that player. I would have liked to have seen a change at half time, Heskey coming off, with either Albrighton coming on and moving Downing/Ash inside, or Pires or Makoun in behind trying to unlock the organised Stoke defence. Bannan may well be the best option in the future for a game like Saturdays.

Bent the predator, Bent the saviour

Darren Bent continued his good form, with a superb finish; a header from the edge of the box perfectly placed in the corner, getting power and accuracy on it from a floated cross from Walker. He had another chance after a strong and direct run from Petrov, who ran through the Stoke midfield before laying it through to Bent; the ball got caught under his feet and allowed time for Shawcross to challenge. Bent had to come to the halfway line at times just to see the ball. We improved for 20minutes after half time, as Young and Downing looked to come off their wings more, but came unstuck as they headed into traffic.

I have said that we need a new keeper, I still believe that, but Friedel pulled off two very smart saves in the opening 15minutes, one from Huth, the other from Jones. Friedel would be a very strong reserve keeper, if he would be happy with that role, as the younger keepers could benefit from his years of experience.

A point against a very well organised and determined Stoke, who deserve credit for making life very hard for us. Before the Everton game the team targeted an 8 game unbeaten end to the campaign, having played 4 of them we remain unbeaten, despite going behind in 3 of those games. So roll on West Brom and Woy Hodgson, which should be a far more open game, and see the likes of Downing, Young and Bent afforded more space and time than they were on Saturday. A final note, I wish all the best to Gerard and his family.

UTV

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