Another Week Another Late Review

Another week another late review. I can only apologise but to be honest, we here at All Stoked Up could do with a bit of help. So if you are interested in writing or Stoke City or even both, why don’t you get in touch and become a contributer.

We Tamed The Tigers

After 4 defeats on the bounce and only 2 goals we finally found a winning formula. Providing we play Hull every week. Hull City came to the Bet 365 looking to take all 3 points and improve their chances of staying in the top flight. We were also in a similar mind sight and so an interesting and tough game was expected.

First Half

It only took 6 minutes for the first goal to go in. Thankfully it was Arnoutovic. After receiving a pass from Shaqiri, He cut inside on to his right foot. With a quick look up Marko cocked the hammer and unleashed a thunderous shot off the underside of the bar and into the net. A great start for a side who has struggled to get shots on target lately.

More chances came to extend the lead. Most notably when Shaqiri played Arnoutovic in on goal with a clever chip pass. The resulting volley went sailing over the bar. The top 3 (Shaqiri, Arnoutovic and Berahino) continued to cause drama for the Hull defence and it looked like there were more goals to come.

Hull didn’t really sit back though and they could of been level had Niasse got on the end of a flick on from Sam Clucas.

Grant was called into action late on when Lazar Markovic was played in by a beautiful diagonal ball from Maguire. If not for Grants heroics it would of surely been 1-1.

Second Half

It only took 6 minutes for the first goal of the 2nd half to go in. I would like to say it was a deja vu moment but it was Hull’s equaliser. We failed to deal with a short corner and Maguire was there to bundle the ball over the line after Markovic’s initial effort was blocked.

Charlie Adam and Berahino made way for Crouch and Walters. Mark Hughes must of thought he had the Klopp touch when the 2 substitutes combined for our 2nd goal. Walters did very well to control a long ball from Arnoutovic. A quick shoulder drop allowing him to come inside and cross the ball. Crouch was on the receiving end and headed into the bottom corner.

Grant was at it again, this time denying Grosicki who had managed to turn Ryan Shawcross. Hull didn’t seem to have the energy the had at the beginning of the half but they did plod on. Hughes was almost sure he had the Klopp touch when Jonathon Walters almost killed the game off, only to be denied by the post.

The game was killed off and 3 points were all in the bag in the 80th minute. Up steps little Shaqiri 30 yards out. Clearly not happy at being involved in almost everything and bagging at least 8 dream team points. The little Swiss diamond let loose a swerving shot that pretty much zig zagged into the top left.

Summary

A great display. We managed to score more in one game than we did the previous four. 3 out 4 shots on target went in, but I am still concerned we only managed 4 on target from 14. It was a vital win that shows we are capable before the morale became non existent. The win also sets us up nicely for a trip to Swansea. If we aren’t safe now (I’m sure we are) then a win in Wales will pretty much guarantee top flight football next year.

Things Worth Mentioning

Shaqiri (He has definitely played this game before).
Lee Grant (not all heroes wear capes).
Mark Hughes (top subs payed off)
WE WON