Having witnessed a tremendous start to the 2011-12 season, hard working Stoke City appear to have stepped up once more this season, finding ways of obtaining success both domestically and via European football. Stoke are never without their critics, and playing the way they do, that is expected. However when wins comes thick and fast in the Premier League, Europa League and Carling Cup, the public must sit up and take note of the brave and triumphant tactics that Stoke have mastered so marvellously.
Firstly, the signings that Tony Pulis made appeared cautious yet sensible, as he avoided players with records of high flair or arrogance, sticking with those Pulis feels he could mould into his current squad. The £10 million signing of Peter Crouch was a signal of future success, as one can only assume Pulis felt the 6 ft 2 of bulky Trinidad striker Kenwyne Jones was perhaps too short. 6ft 7 Crouch peers down upon defenders, and most other people, and with a good touch for a big man, the signing of out of favour Crouch from Tottenham was a gamble – that seems to have paid off already. With the general public feeling surrounding Crouch suggesting that we ‘hate to love’ him’, not only does his record speak wonders for his talent, he has already shown he fits in perfectly with the Stoke style, as he provides an exceptional aerial option that Stoke will use effectively from any set piece. Further to this the free transfer of Jonathan Woodgate appears to be within the top 10 star signings of the summer. Woodgate, who once graced La Liga for Real Madrid, simply has to prove his form and fitness to his faithful manager, something he has managed well so far. These, alongside Cameron Jerome and Diego Arismendi, could prove vital in ensuring the squad has enough strength in depth to stay strong throughout the season.
Management from Tony Pulis, in my eyes, is the biggest factor in Stoke’s success in both European and Domestic competitions. With Pulis shaping a team that has few big names, few players of real flair and few players of any world class quality, the fact he has managed to shape a team that can hold high flying United to a draw, and beat Besiktas in the Europa league is extraordinary.
If you were to be presented with the names of Andy Wilkinson, Ryan Shotton or Marc Wilson, it is highly unlikely you would be ridiculed for not knowing who the heck they are. However put them within a Stoke side that battle for every point and you obtain a team that will want victory against any club, no matter how big.
Yet, with the 4-0 drubbing against Sunderland a reality check to fans feeling unbeatable, it seems the fairytale may not always end in a happy way. Working hard for points is admirable, however creativity from the wings is often an alternative option to simply firing throw ins. Therefore should Pennant or Etherington get injured or lose form, the supply to Crouch, Jones and Jerome upfront may disappear, leaving a severe lack of creativity in midfield. Glen Whelan can pass a ball 40 yards, however lacks the pace to be a player who can run box to box and support the strikers. The signing of Palacios is also an interesting one. Although a hard worker, the start to the season he has had appears poor, and unless he can improve in the coming weeks, he may become one of the few flawed signings to grace the Stoke City squad in recent years.
However with the hard fought 1-1 draw with Manchester United returning Stoke to form, the hard work and miles upon miles covered this season will no doubt pay off. The games that they lose will be rectified, and with steady headed Pulis behind the team, a top half finish is without doubt a possibility. Starting the season confidently, Stoke will fear no other team and will play their way. If you support them, a Halloween treat is perhaps in store. Their often ugly style of football has been perfected, and has proven advantageous in the modern game, where if you can bully the opposition players, points are up for grabs. Should Tony Pulis manage to continue adding to the team with further hard working players, alongside a couple of flair players perhaps to keep the media happy, the red and white of Stoke City could be keeping the Europa League company for many years to come.
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.