yes a lot of people will look at the score and say "easy win", but infact it was anything but. I thought that Arsenal were the best team first half, Bego made a right hash of the first goal, we then concede another very sloppy goal from a set piece. Second half I thought we controlled very large parts with Arsenal struggling to get the ball, we pushed forward and put some really testing balls into the box. The 3rd Arsenal goal was completely against the run of play and there was no way back. We had 51% possession to Arsenals 49% at Arsenal which is incredible in itself considering last season we couldnt string 2 passes together. On the whole I thought we deserved something from the game but you cant let 3 goals in the fashion we did. A lot of positives to take from the game and I really enjoyed watching it. Im loving being a Stoke fan at the moment and long may it continue. On another day we could of got a draw but thats football. UTPsssssssssssssss
Agreed ricc,the only problem we`ve got is we are toothless up front. I thought Jones was pretty ineffectual, and I just can`t see who`s going to score for us. Don`t get me wrong I much prefer our way of playing at the moment. I wish we had someone like Defoe. Thought Arnauotovic looked lively and Cameron had a really good game,Wilson too, but was very unimpressed with Ireland and Adam.Still , it was a vast improvement on last season!
Thought you played some good stuff second half. That was encouraging as we play Arsenal next and if you could pass the ball around the park with such ease, then I expect us to do exactly the same at the Liberty. I said when he was appointed that Mark Hughes would do wonders for you, and it looks like he is proving me right. The way in which he has transformed your playing style in such a short period of time deserves a huge amount of respect
Hi in France at the moment so could not get to the game. Wonderful to think that the team in North London struggled to get the ball in the second half. Btw is has always been good to support Stoke just a bit trying at times! Congrats to Swansea for stuffing Valencia on Thursday and beating Palace today.
Despite the loss today, we can take loads of positives from the game. Especially 2nd half we we're on top for a while. That would not have happened under you know who! I thought Cameron was immense and apart from Adam I think all the player's deserve a pat on the back! Just wish Pennant had started and I almost forgot. SORRY Jon Walters but you ain't good enough for this league. All in all onwards and upwards. Not many teams will be Arsenal at their place. They deserved the win well done to them. I think their defence is not the best and better teams than us might cause them problems.
I agree Potts, about Walters, now we are passing the ball well, he looks out of depth, with our play, We should have kept Jerome, got to fast forwards, and loaned, walters, jones, and crouch out, we have no cutting edge up front.
All sounds nice and positive, we are playing football, passing and keeping the ball, just need to keep picking the points up and get a striker or two come January.
Seems like a great realistic target, he surely has the talent to make it in the Prem, would suit your (new) style, reasonable fee/wages, Blackburn don't look like going anywhere fast. Could definitely happen if you have a few million to spend in Jan.
I think we will have funds available. Coates has deep pockets, but it seems he held Hughes to a tight budget after the QPR disaster. At the moment were playing well, but with every match it becomes increasingly obvious we need some talent up front. If MH keeps it up, I'm sure the chairman will back him in the January window.
