Chin Up….

By: James | October 1st, 2008

“It was like defending against the Red Arrows”. Tony Pulis’s reaction to Sunday afternoon’s events summed up the game well to be honest. Although Stoke came to life perhaps too late, Chelsea’s approach was a cautious one to begin with, a sign that Stoke are winning some respect in the Premiership. Leon Cort came close with a header in the second half only to see his effort cleared off the line by John Obi Mikel, {{ but unlike SOME Liverpool fans I don’t care for picking out ONE moment that COULD have changed the game }} before Anelka killed the Potters off completely in the 76th minute.

All is not negative however. Signs of the spirit that Liverpool came up against were still there and although Chelsea had many attempts to score a third, Stoke refused to go down any further. Sorensen, probably Stoke’s key man in this match pulled off some good saves to keep Stoke in the game and hopes alive. In the end though, Chelsea’s class prevailed and rightfully so, they got the win they deserved as they controlled the game in terms of possession mainly, maintaining their 100% away win record and taking them back to the top of the table.

It was evident that Ricardo Fuller, Stoke’s ‘talisman’, according to Pulis, despite looking lively after coming off the bench and long-throw specialist Rory Delap were missed but Stoke did well to battle bravely against such a force. It was just a shame that they left it so late to wake-up, by which point they were already a goal down.

Although Stoke’s one-dimensional tactics may not be the prettiest sight, their commitment is a wonder to behold so far this season. Some attempts were made in the second half to attack but as I’ve said before, do this and against big teams and you are taking a big risk, no two ways about it. The space Chelsea craved suddenly appeared and their passing meant Stoke couldn’t get near them. The price was paid by Stoke when Faye, who had a good game overall made the mistake which allowed Anelka to finish them off.

I won’t go too into detail over the Carling Cup game against Reading last Tuesday but once again what great determination Stoke showed to throw away the lead twice and still keep their spirits up to grind out a win on penalties. Aggressive defending, particularly in the air was once again on display. This attitude can only serve to help the progress of the club. “Last season there is no way we could have done that.” claimed Stoke assistant manager Dave Kemp. Stoke will be playing against Rotherham in the 4th round. In November. Pulis will hope that his men can bring the same grit to Portsmouth this coming Sunday.