My thoughts on the game.

[OldStokie]

For Dallas who misses Stripey's after match comments.

I thought I'd balance out some of the hysteria on here just for Fuggers. He seems disappointed that no one is critical of anything.

First half. I was disappointed with The Baggies. They were crap. They strolled about as if they were Manure, slickly passing the ball for two thirds of the park and then when they hit the road block that was our defence, they aimed hopeful long shots from 30 yards. I would sum up their performance in that first half as 'pathetic, arrogant and totally lacking in urgency'. Other sides may have rolled over for them but this was Stoke they were playing and this Stoke side don't stand on ceremony...any team that will beat them at the moment will have to work damned hard for their victory. West Brom didn't do that and rightly went in 2-0 down to a brilliant strike from Fuller [even though I thought he had handballed it from Mama's lazy but sublime touch] and another set piece from Lawrence which saw Ricardo drop off Hoofers and score a carbon copy of the goal he scored against Blackpool. To go 2-0 in at half time in this top-of-the-table clash was reet Xmas pressie stuff.

The second half was a different affair. The Baggies came out with more urgency and put the pressure on. Against the run of play, Ricardo scored his third and finest goal. It was a brilliant individual goal. He jinked around Hoefkens leaving him flat on his arse and then nutmegged the central defender to place the ball well out of reach of the keeper to take us to 3-0. You won't see a better goal than that even in the exalted Premiership.

After that, WBA kept plugging us back and scored a deserved goal after 72 minutes. I was screaming at pulis to try and stop the same tactic The Baggies were using so successfully. They played the ball out to their blonde headed left back - who was playing brilliantly - and he and their left winger created havoc down our right hand side. I lost count of the number of balls they slung in between them. Why oh why didn't Pulis send someone [Lawrence] to sit on their fullback? That's all it would have taken to nullify that threat which was proving so successful. Instead, he just allowed us to sit back and soak up the pressure they put on us. The fact that they didn't score again was due to the sterling efforts of our defenders and a couple of fortuitous moments when things went our way. On another day, we may not have been so lucky and would have finished the game with only 1 point.

That would have been cruel though. Fuller's performance was worthy of the 3 points. Every successful team has a forward who can score at will. Under Lou, we had both Steino and Biggins. This side has Ricardo. He is simply sublime and a joy to watch. He now seems to have passed his barren spell and no defence in this league will want to play against him. In fact, no team in this league will want to play against our entire side. They are displaying all the neccesary qualities - skill, superb defending and moments of individual brilliance - that are the hallmark of a successful side.

Before I give my marks, can I just pay a tribute to Delap. He's taken a lot of stick in the past, but today he worked hard and our victory was due in no small way to his endeavours. Well done Rory.

Simmo: 7
Dickinson: 7
Shawcross: 9
Cort: 8
Pugh: 7
Lawrence: 6
Delap: 8
Eustace: 6
Cresswell: 7
Sidebe: 8
Fuller: 10

Pulis: 8 [under duress ]

OS: 10

[TheBeautifulGame]

I can't argue with anything you have put there OS, a very fair appraisal of todays game.

Fuller may take all the the plaudits but as you say the defence looked every bit as special, on the whole a fine team performance, well done Stoke!

[mumf14]

We won...Get over it and cancel your Darkside membership card.

To give Pulis 6 out of 10,... denotes an air of synical stubborness, born out of hatred.

Summarising...Bloody typical Old Stokie 2/10.

[Admin]

oldstokie said:

After that, WBA kept plugging us back and scored a deserved goal after 72 minutes. I was screaming at pulis to try and stop the same tactic The Baggies were using so successfully. They played the ball out to their blonde headed left back - who was playing brilliantly - and he and their left winger created havoc down our right hand side. I lost count of the number of balls they slung in between them...

Mick,

I think we all noticed that. However, as it kept on happening I came to the conclusion that we were perhaps allowing Robinson to have all that space because we wanted Wilkinson more in the middle?

Once The Baggies brought on Miller and Phillips they had three big men in the middle and I think Stoke decided to play the percentage game and keep our own big men in the middle. If Lawrence couldn't get back to cover then we were prepared to let them throw it in and back ourselves to get it clear.

Not saying it was the right way to go but it worked. That's if I'm right of course? I'd be surprised if it wasn't a tactic though because TP wasn't getting at all stressed out when Robinson had all that space.

[OldStokie]

Smudge...I'm sure Pulis was doing it deliberately and, yes, it did work. But, I hate sitting on the end of my seat squirming for 20 minutes when we are 3-1 up knowing that the manager is playing the percentage game. As we've seen so many times in the past, it doesn't always work and had it not done so today [saturday] it would have been a blow that would have spoiled most of our Xmas's. Not only that, this board would have been at war again....and only a few want that.

M.

[larrypotter]

In fairness to Pulis I thought that the idea of bringing Dickinson on and moving Pugh into the middle was to allow Liam to defend better than he was, but Liam simply didn't do it. He kept drifting inside and allowing their left back more space than he should have had. Having said that I thought that Lawrence was excellent going forward.

After such a result the criticism of Pulis seems a bit unfair. Credit should be given to him for creating an effective team. WBA have a far better squad than ours and it was expected that they would come at us in the second half. But the manager has assembled a team of players with a strong will not to be beaten and even better the will to win.

As Alf Ramsey said, it's not about picking the best players but the best team.

[OldStokie]

larry...in the spirit of Xmas and because your words are wise ones, I have now upped Mr Pulis's marks by two points. I won't go any further [that goes completely against the grain ] but at least I take on board your sentiments.

OS.

[Dallas Cowboy]

Many thanks for the report OS, much appreciated.

I missed the first half commentary, not because I got up late but I couldn't get the link to Radio Stoke. Anyway, I managed eventually, after much cursing, to get it for the second half. With the commentary, your report and Craig Wally's video clips, I have gained a pretty good impression of the game, not bad for someone 5,000 miles away. Of course, there is no substitute for actually being there. Something mumf might like to try once in a while.

I am glad you mentioned Delap's contribution. It seemed from the commentary that he made a number of timely challenges at vital moments. Fuller's third goal was sublime.

Dennis Smith was also perplexed by the introduction of Dickinson, which left Pugh not quite sure about whom he was supposed to be picking up, luckily the Albion failed to capitalise on the situation. But a good spot by you and further proof, as if it was needed, that you know your football more than most do on here.

It appears that the momentum is building and long may it continue. After today's result, an automatic promotion spot would seem to be there for the taking. Settling for a play-off spot is not an option.

[Lakeland Potter]

I'd agree with most of the points on this thread. Lawrence certainly didn't get close enough to that full back in the second half. I thought he did well when he went forward but I suspect that his recent success (he is now top of the assists table in the league) caused a bit of a rush of blood to the head. Up to TP and the coaching staff to look at the video with the player and sort things out for the future.

Unlike OS, I'd have marked Cort slightly higher than Shawcross. I suppose Cort loses "karma" for the dodgy back pass but that apart he was magnificent and the way the game panned out, found himself with more to do than Ryan and he did it well.

A word about Hoof. Nice to see him back. He won't be happy with his marking of Fuller for the second goal (almost a carbon copy of his goal at Blackpool) and he will hate seeing the replay of Fuller's third. But, to be fair, a lot of Premiership defenders would have found Fuller almost impossible to contain yesterday - a wonderful performance against multi million pound side. If he can take that sort of form into the Newcastle game we could have a night to remember.

If all games at the Brit were as entertaining as that one we'd average 25k if there was any justice in the world.

[vientianescfc]

Actually Dennis Smith wasn't confused at all he said they are moving Pugh in the centre and letting Liam mark man for man on Phillips - whom as given a free role. Which he then noticed and commented that because of this it allow Phillips to go into the penalty area more since it dragged Liam out of the centre.

I guess Pulis should of listened to you then we'd of won 3-0 eh instead of 3-1 - why didn't you pass him a note?

[Deleted]

Something I picked up from the Wally vision clip, look after the first goal is scored you will see 'the kiddie' Ryan gesturing to Cort to get back into position. He is mastering his trade very quickly he imho he is fast turning into captain material.

[Rebelliousjukebox]

"Unlike OS, I'd have marked Cort slightly higher than Shawcross. I suppose Cort loses "karma" for the dodgy back pass but that apart he was magnificent and the way the game panned out, found himself with more to do than Ryan and he did it well."

Plus, that goal-line clearance in the 2nd half.

[Deleted]

Great result but I have to say that for long periods our football was shocking. Poor passing, aimless clearances and a complete lack of pace apart from Fuller.

The difference was Fuller who looks Premiership class.

On another day WBA could have knocked 4 or 5 past us but luckily for us it didn't happen.

I'm afraid some of the people on here are letting the result cloud the performance. Our defence appeared to be playing a zone system where sticking to the man wasn't important. Maintaining two rows of closely positioned groups of 4 seemed to be the plan which allow WBA to thread the ball forward with ease.

[CraigWally]

Great post OS

[dexter97]

squareball said:

Our defence appeared to be playing a zone system where sticking to the man wasn't important.

Pulis admitted as much in his post-match interview. However, given that Simo's one real save (following Cort's cock-up) and Cort's clearance off the line were as dangerous as it got for us, I don't think we can argue with his tactics on this occasion.

[AlliG]

Wouldn't disagree with any of the above.

The only additional comments I would make are that I thought one or two players mentally joined the fans in the pub after the 3rd goal (and never came back).

Some fresh legs to bolster midfield in the last 15 minutes would have been a big help and made it even more enjoyable. It might be that I am being a bit greedy, but I would have enjoyed the atmosphere after the 3rd goal continuing to the end rather than letting it get just a little too tense.

Whatever, it is great to be able to sit here with a big ;D this morning.

[sheikhmomo]

Well done OS, I didn't think it was possible to deliver more grudging praise than that big nosed twat, Mowbray but you've achieved it!

[Stick It On Cort's Head]

pugh was stuck on phillips for the last 10 minutes and it worked perfectly

[AlliG]

Wouldn't disagree with any of the above.

The only additional comments I would make are that I thought one or two players mentally joined the fans in the pub after the 3rd goal (and never came back).

Some fresh legs to bolster midfield in the last 15 minutes would have been a big help and made it even more enjoyable. It might be that I am being a bit greedy, but I would have enjoyed the atmosphere after the 3rd goal continuing to the end rather than letting it get just a little too tense.

Whatever, it is great to be able to sit here with a big ;D this morning.

[TheWiseMaster]

Mick

I reckon 99% of the crowd were screaming at that full back to be marked but as he wasn't I go with Smudge who suggested this was a tactic which actually worked

Their goal came from a ball lobbed forward from the edge of the box which we didn't defend very well

Defending as deep as we do will never be pretty to watch but again you have to hand it to the manager in that it worked. Leave Fuller up field and then punish them on the break - which we did

If you went to West Brom you would have seen us do exactly the same. Pulis knows that the Baggies are a very talented team who will pass their way through you given space. Pulis gambled on denying them space around our goal and it worked

Watch most top European sides and they will defend in a similar fashion - Pulis is practising for future games in Europe!

As for Cort and Shawcross I though that Cort was superb other than one mistake and that Shawcross had an average game - no more

[daverichards]

Good post OS, but like others say, I Thought Cort was even better than shawcross, he got his head on everything

[OldStokie]

Well done OS, I didn't think it was possible to deliver more grudging praise than that big nosed twat, Mowbray but you've achieved it!

Thank you, Victor, that has made my Xmas. Have a good one.

I reckon 99% of the crowd were screaming at that full back to be marked but as he wasn't I go with Smudge who suggested this was a tactic which actually worked

Does that mean 99% of the crowd were wrong then? I think it was Lou who said..."You should never underestimate the knowlege of the supporters. Many of them have probably forgotten more than you know." Obviously, he was referring to me.

This post has come at great expense....2 smites....and at Xmas too. There are some mean spirited individual on this board.

Opinions eh.

OS.

[Funky]

Shawcross got caught out a few times in both halves on headers, not his best game for me, I thought Liam and Cressy worked there nuts off today.

[nathan]

It was a great win, no doubt. It was the type of performance you'd associate with an away team......then again, we were playing a side who are 'wowing the game' with their 'free flowing football'! I thought West Brom played it nicely, though lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, whilst also at times being guilty of 'overplaying'. I do feel that it was abundantly clear why they are top - they had good movement off the ball and the majority of them were capable on the ball. However, their defence looked at 6's and 7's throughout the game, and were unable to contend with a challenging strike force in Mama and Ric.

They enjoyed most of the ball, though in terms of the way we contended with it, I feel we have done our homework. It was a display where we were efficient, well prepared and committed to, rather than one you would necessarily rave about. Plenty of rearguard action involved, though in the end the defence stood firm enough and we came through.

The attacking instincts of Albion, particularly with the 3rd goal, helped us secure victory. We've soaked up a lot of pressure, and been clinical in front of goal to secure victory. We were never going to 'out football' WBA, so TP got it right in that respect.

The test of a team managed by TP, however, is against teams who've come with the intention of keeping 10 men behind the ball at all times. We currently don't have the creativity, or pace (crucial) to unlock defences. This is where our all round credentials will be put to the test, as inevitably teams will do this if we remain in the upper reaches.

Otherwise, great win in a match that suited us down to the ground. If we can take 5+ points from the next 3 games I for one will be very happy. That means 8 points from 4 games during a period we a renowned for falling short in. 2 points a game would be very nice indeed, and then, PC, lets see the money!!!

Goarrrrn Stoke!!!

[thepremierbanksy]

I agree with Smudge on the Robinson (LB) issue, it was incredibley frustrating watching it happen. Robinson and their no.7 Koren were both just sat there passing it between them most of of the second half, which 90% of the time resulted in either Robinson crossing it in, which clearly we were confident we could deal with all day, or Koren playing a short ball across the middle to greening or gera which again we were confident would amount to nothing as we had those 2 banks of four. I felt that if liam had gone out to Robinson, who was properly hugging the touchline, then it would have created the space for koren to attack down the channel and get into the space between Wilko and the centre halves, at which point we would have had to re-organise.

Credit to Mowbray for their half time subs they really changed the nature of the game and Miller was dangerous when he came on, thankfully we were equal to their changes. A great three points.

[mcf]

We gave them the flanks as we didn't want to risk their creative midfielders putting balls through the middle of us.

Our defenders cleared the crosses with few moments for concern.

Letting them come onto to us then watching Fuller, Sidders and Lawrence break is getting to be a very good habit...even at home...even if the Pulis Haters moan at it....basically fuck them.

[Dallas Cowboy]

Who said Dennis Smith was confused?

Why don't you read what was actually written and make a note of it before replying. That way you will avoid confusion.

[potherb]

Good post OS....

I was quite happy with the tactics of doubling up on our left to prevent WBA players who actually could put in decent crosses from getting much of the ball, even though it meant leaving so much space on the right..

I was sat next to a Villa fan (who had come up with some kids from a south staffs school). He told me that their left back couldnt "cross for toffee".... I then counted 17 crosses by him in the second half...only ONE hit the head of a WBA player...so hopefully homework well done? OR lucky TP?

Squareball... "aimless clearances"??!!!!

I'd call that us being put under the inevitable pressure that we expected from the top team in the division!!

WE were 3-0 up!!

On another day they could have scored 4 or 5 past us?? How?? One good save from Simmo following one of our mistakes. A goal line clearance. And other than that, desperate shots from 20 yards or more!! They didnt create 4 or 5 good chances even!!!

On another day WE could have scored another 4 or 5...

potherb

[kingdeano]

oldstokie did you go the game?? reason 1 it wasnt hoefkens who fuller put on is arse, reason 2, john eustace 6/10?? fuller got mom cus of his hat trick fair due, but eustace was absolutly outstanding, a joy to watch. when under pressure he showed great composure, and his breaking up of play was superb, think your out on that one son. eustace 9.5/10!

[nathan]

potherb,

I'm not sure if that last sentence was said with a hint of sarcasm, but we created minimal chances apart from the goals. I'm not complaining - I'm glad we've been so efficient and clinical in order to claim victory, but we didn't 'dominate' WBA, though I never expected us to, and we were never going to. They've had a lot of the ball, and more attempts, however these attempts were not clear cut opportunities and were reduced to shooting from distance.

All in all, decent performance, great win.

Goarrrrn Stoke!!