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Post by luke45 on Jan 6, 2008 20:33:58 GMT
Since the 9th of December against Watford, i was so pleased with the back-four today, there effort was excellent, and our two full-back's, dicko and wilko, were immense. We can take so much from this, and despite not taking chances which we could and maybe should have, we are 11th unbeaten  and as i say a well due clean sheet, which will know doubt fill the defence and simmo with confidence. Viduka and Owen, are two top quality strikers, that's a fact, but they were made to look very average today, newcastle were forced into the long ball, and shots from all of 25-30 yards, due to our sheer pressure all the time, the work-rate was fantastic. To newcastle's credit, they defended well, and it was there defending, notably Steven Taylor who kept them in this tie. The penalty shot of our's, was for me a penalty, but unfortunately we weren't given in, it was a clear hand-ball, and believe me steven taylor knew exactly what he was doing! I wont lie i'm a tad disappointed due to the fact we had so many clear cut chances, but up against a full strength Newcastle side, we were brilliant. It really does show that with a few more additions, imho we would have every chance of surviving the drop in the premiership, and that was really encouraging. A few players i thought were particulary excellent today: Danny Pugh Carl Dickinson Ryan Shawcross They were the pick of the bunch imo, but credit is due to mama sidibe, who i thought played really well today, he won alot in the air, and battled really hard today. Jon Parkin certainly has a point to prove, and for me the big man showed today he has it, the minute he came on we sprung into life, and he was a constant threat, which is REALLY encouraging to see with mama of to the ACON. I can't fault anyone today, a brave performance, where at times, we made them look so average. The replay will be tough, and the obvious advantage is with newcastle being at home, but we have every chance to go there and win, i really believe that, and most of all we can sit back tommorow, and know where in the hat. Well Done Stoke, A top effort form the players. |
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Post by algor on Jan 6, 2008 20:57:58 GMT
Well I expected a clean sheet really, I mean they only had Owen & Viduka upfront with Smith behind them! ;D ;D  |
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Post by JoeinOz on Jan 7, 2008 8:58:58 GMT
A few unsoiled sheets in the league would be most welcome now. They have proved they can concentrate for 90 minutes so more of the same please.
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and as i say a well due clean sheet, which will know doubt fill the defence and simmo with confidence.
