Christmas and New Year Roundup

Morning all, hope you enjoyed the festive period. I’ve been away the last couple of weeks so apologies for not giving any prior notice of this in my last entry. Anyway here’s what’s been happening since I left.

 

Blackburn 0 – 2 Stoke City

 

Boxing Day saw us complete a fine double over a Blackburn side that boasts an imperious home form, losing five in just thirty-nine. Rob Huth proved his worth at both ends of the pitch, helping toward the clean sheet and nodding Stoke ahead just after half time from a Matty Etherington corner. Stoke bossed the game for long periods but clear-cut chances were few and far between. Rovers kept the ball better when in search of an equaliser but failed to seriously test Asmir Begovic; and paid the price for committing so many bodies forward when Marc Wilson buried his first goal for Stoke from close range. It was the sort of committed away performance we’ve only really come to see since the start of this season. There was little guile or craft but an honest game of football played in the right spirit. One can argue we were facing a Blackburn team still trying to find its feet after Sam Allardyce’s dismissal but they were convincing enough just two days later, snatching all three points at the Hawthorns against WBA.  

 

Stoke 0 – 2 Fulham

 

Against Fulham we committed ‘the’ cardinal sin of conceding early, Chris Baird (yes, that’s right) lashing home an unstoppable drive from outside the area after a weak clearance. To be honest, having watched Stoke come back time and time again from losing positions, this didn’t really overly concern me. Even after going 2-0 down (Baird again!), I felt a half time Pulis ear-bashing would be enough to galvanise the boys into salvaging something. But unusually (particularly at home), the performance never came despite Stoke normally thriving when chasing the game. We looked completely stilted and one-dimensional, resorting to ineffective long balls easily dealt with by Brede Hangeland. Fulham wisely sat on their laurels and we simply lacked the invention to break them down. Pulis attempted an unconventional high-five rather than a handshake with fellow Welshman Mark Hughes after the game, leaving the latter unimpressed. I’m guessing it was previous after Hughes snubbed Pulis earlier in the year but it all seemed a bit juvenile. Overall then, it was a pretty sad way to see out an otherwise impressive 2010 and a lesson in never to underestimate certain individuals within a team.

 

Stoke 2 – 0 Everton

 

Against the Toffees we put in a very professional performance, soaking up long periods of Everton possession before clinically finishing the few chances of our own we managed to create. It was a robust display with little dynamism but everyone knew their role and communication seemed far better. Kenwyne Jones grabbed the opener, heading beyond Tim Howard after an inch perfect Etherington cross. The unfortunate Phil Jagielka put daylight between the sides when distracted by the alluring figure of Ric Fuller, poking the ball into his own net when pumped into the Everton area. Pulis singled out Jones for praise having returned to the sort of form we saw at the start of the season after a string of pretty lethargic displays. He looked lively and interested and deserved his goal having caused no end of problems to Everton’s shaky back four. Credit to the defence too, who put in another faultless performance (minus a dodgy Ryan Shawcross air-kick!).

 

Preview: Manchester United Vs Stoke

 

Opposition don’t come more formidable right now than unbeaten Manchester United at Old Trafford, particularly when playing your fourth game in ten days. Changes to the team (particularly in midfield and attack) have been mooted but I can’t see Pulis making too much of a fuss over fatigue. Jon Walters may be drafted in for one of the front two, and Wilson or Glenn Whelan will likely get a game as well. It’s difficult to get too excited about this match after our woeful recent record against Man United. While we may have ran them close on more than one occasion at the Brit, they’ve put nine goals past us without reply in the reverse fixture and tomorrow’s game may well be heading for a similar outcome. With many players now bordering on exhaustion, I expect us to sit tight and deep as we try and defend against sustained one way traffic. Irritatingly, Wayne Rooney scored a proper goal recently and immediately won back his critics, cooing over his commitment to the cause (but hey for 200,000 a week, I would commit to a North Korean nuclear programme so it’s not saying much). Anyway expect a more confident Rooney to step out tomorrow, although strike partner Dimitar Berbatov will likely carry the greater threat if playing.

 

Transfer Window

 

And finally, a word on the January transfer window. Some of criticised Pulis for seemingly adopting an open market stance in recent days but his actions were to the interest of our players rather than opposition scouts and managers. With little fluctuation to the first team in recent months, many of the team have breathed a little easier and see themselves as regulars, an atmosphere that Pulis is dead against cultivating. Using the game against Everton as an example, by suggesting a cull is on the cards, Pulis brought out the best in regulars like Jones and Fuller (who had previously dipped in form) as well as Danny Higginbotham (who looked to be on the way out not so long ago). The most laughable paper talk so far has included a potential bid to the bring the Beckham media circus to the Potteries and a Liverpool bid of five million for the much improved Rob Huth, signed for a mere six million when a Championship player two years back! Column inches need to be filled but in all honesty I don’t think there’ll be much movement in or out of the Brit in the next month. Having said that, one man who’s already sign on the dotted line is Jermaine Pennant, clinching a permanent deal following his successful loan period. Pulis celebrated the acquisition in typical fashion, advising the winger that he will always be on trial and can always do more to impress. The fans want to see a creative midfielder eventually ousting the likes of Delap and Whitehead but Pulis will need some convincing. Thankfully, the talented Wilson seems to finally be breaking into the first team although I hope he isn’t being started purely for rotational purposes around the Xmas schedule. There’s a chance Pulis will want to pilfer Middlesbrough again having already made enquiries about David Wheater. Jamie O’Hara is another name consistently banded about on the forums having failed to make an impression on the Tottenham first team following an eye-catching loan period at Portsmouth. Another Spurs player falling further down the pecking order is Robbie Keane, but we would seemingly be competing with half the PL for his signature. As I say, I wouldn’t start getting excited but I’ll keep you updated with any persistent rumours I hear.

 

Think that’s about that. Apologies again to regular readers (am I being hopeful?) for my recent lay off

Category: Stoke Team News