A lack of player discipline has cost us 6 points.

[knowingeye]

No argument as it's as plain as the nose on your face. Two games in two days and six points lost. In both games the team was holding its own until the sending off.

The question I ask is, why?

WHY????

[serpico]

well, wilkinson was just overly enthusiastic, and Fuller has at least one real moment of madness every so often, it's a shame they had to happen in consecutive games

[slangking]

It is clear, the players weren't disciplined, I hope that helps.

[boothenendboy]

not 6 points.we were never winning against man u

[stokemark]

We were also level against West Ham so arguably its 2 points though thats still unacceptable

[knowingeye]

In the ManU game, Stoke were easily the better team in terms of organisation, defending and passing the ball. They had done their homework and the plan was working. It showed in terms of the way the Utd players were rattled and reacting (unfortunate that the ref didn't do anything about that aspect). Wilko responded in a completely reckless way and the game was in effect over, with only a matter of time when the extra man gave them the space to pass and score, which even then was nothing short of lucky.

West Ham had drawn level but Fuller's pressing of the self-destruct button gave us no chance of getting back into the game. Up to that point again the game could have gone either way. Fuller really does need to get his head sorted, decide if he wants to stay at Stoke. If so apologise and move forwards. If not, put in the transfer request and move on.

Whether it's six points or two points lost, it doesn't matter. What matters is playing to a structured and disciplined plan for each game. In both recent games the plan was working until the discipline gave way to hot-headed, foolish reactions.

[jcscfc]

One big factor in both games that has nt been spotted. THE REFEREE

Before Wilkinson was sent off Ronaldo should have walked for the stamp. Also Rooney should have gone for the elbow on Abdoulaye. The way we were playing in the game with 10 maybe 9 men on the pitch it would have been different. The FA should get involved on both incidents but because of who we were playing I seriously doubt it.

For a referee to be 100% certain of a red card it has to be a full 100% decision, the card should be shown straight away. If you watch Fullers sending off, it took the referee to walk past the incident, speak to somebody (maybe Griffin) and return back in the direction of Fuller to show the red card.

IMO Very Very poor refereeing at both matches.

[stokesaint1]

Whatever the rights and wrongs of refereees decisions, I think Knowingeye is spot on. Indiscipline on the field of play has and will continue to cost us valuable points throughout the season, that could result in us losing our place in the premiership. Unfortunately this is not something new at the Brit and is something that needs strong urgent action from the top. I understand that we have close to, if not the actual , worst disciplinary record in the premiership. Tony Pulis, IMO, is as guilty as the players on the pitch for not stamping down hard on offenders and also for appoiinting a weak ineffectual captain in Andy Griffin. Hopefully this weekend's fiasco will lead to serious action within the club and a rethink on players behaviour. As a supporter, I am embarassed by the needless bookings (and sendings off) of some of our players and their childish tantrums and outbursts. Peter Coates needs to come down hard, if we are to stand a chance of maintaining our premiership status. Fuller AND Griffin (he had no need to walk 50 yards to confronf Fuller) need to be heavily punished and publicly, to demonstrate that Stoke City will not tolerate such public humiliation and loss of points through sheer stupidity.