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Stoke City: A Love/Hate Relationship

An era of beautiful football?
Started on 26 January 2014 by MeerkatKid2
Latest Reply on 2 March 2014 by MeerkatKid2
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2014-01-28 18:29#157256 jontearonsson : That´s a good signing! :)
He's definitely the kind of player I'm looking for! I've got one hell of a signing to write about next!


Stoke firing on all cylinders? 20/7/2013
Stoke City recorded a very impressive win against Catania FC at the Britannia Stadium. It is believed that this is Savidge's current preferred line up that played today, but only until transfers are completed. The game ended 2-0 to Stoke with Peter Crouch breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute and the scoring was completed in the 42nd minute by Jonathon Walters. The starting line up was as follows in Savidge's 4-1-1-2-2 formation: Begovic, Pieters, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, N'Zonzi, Palacios, Ince, Arnuatovic, Crouch and Walters. Stoke seemed to have acknowledged and used their new manager's tactics and played to a high standard. Savidge was quoted as saying " The team were steady and battling and got the result today. It may only be preseason but I'm pleased with the group." Tom Ince had a debut to remember, creating many chances and getting an assist. The signs are that Ince can only improve and that has certainly pleased a lot of Stoke fans.



"Pathetic in victory. I am so confused!" 29/7/2013
A lackluster Stoke team scraped a 1-0 victory at home to Colchester United with Robert Huth stealing the winning goal from a corner. Savidge named an unchanged side from the victory at Catania and most, probably including Savidge, expected Stoke to run riot and score for fun. However, the opposite was true. Colchester dominated the proceedings and in truth Stoke didn't deserve the victory. Savidge was less than impressed with the result and laid into his team; "It is simply not acceptable to play that badly against lower league opponents! I'm glad this was a friendly otherwise I would have considered docking pay. As it is everyone will be expected early for training and will be working to their maximum." After his rant, Savidge calmed down enough to talk transfers. When asked whether any players would be leaving or coming into the squad Savidge played it cool and simply said "Players come and go all the time and at Stoke we are no different. Transfers will happen." One predicted outgoing is Kenwyne Jones, aged 28. He is expected to move for a fee in the region of £3 million and France seems the most likely destination. However, it is unknown who Stoke are lining up as a replacement. In other transfer news, Leandro Damiao has moved to cool transfer rumors linking him to Tottenham despite the clubs first refusal deal being in place.


Transfer Latest: Jones to Stade Rennais- 1/8/2013
Trinidad and Tobago striker, Kenwyne Jones has sealed a £3.1 million move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais. The 28 year old was told by manager Luke Savidge that he was not in the club's future and that a move would be secured for him. However, the transfer represents a £4.9 million loss for Stoke and this has angered some fans. However, Savidge was calm when this criticism was subjected to him. "You fans will be thinking Kenwyne who after the player I am working on signs for us! He is a much better player and has potential in bucket loads." It is currently unknown who this signing is but if he is as good as the usually pessimistic Stoke manager claims then the Stoke faithful are in for a treat.



Breaking News: Leandro Damiao signs for Stoke City Football Club- 2/8/2013
In what can only be described as a coup for the club, Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao has been confirmed as a Stoke City player. A £4.2 million deal was completed early this morning and he has just been unveiled to the media. The 24 year old striker who signed from Internacional has been granted a work permit and will be eligible for Stoke's first league game of the season in late August. Luke Savidge was quoted as being "ecstatic" and said that "it is a real signal of intent from the club to sign a Brazilian international". However, some journalists such as James Newton from the Daily Mail were quick to criticize the deal citing the fact that Damiao doesn't speak any English. In response Savidge stated that "Football is a language of its own and Leandro can speak it fluently". Mr Savidge also stated that "the club will do anything it can to aid any player trying to settle into life at the club".

Our experts have put together our scout report on Leandro Damiao and this can be viewed below.


With the transfer window still open it is unknown whether Stoke will sign anymore players but one rumored exit is Geoff Cameron who is wanted by Everton. If this deal does happen it is predicted the capitol gained will be pumped back into the club in the form of another player. In order to keep up to date, make sure you monitor our website: www.transferdeals.co.uk .
Are you playing Walters and in what role? Has he been good?
2014-01-29 11:19#157400 Fmmalta : Are you playing Walters and in what role? Has he been good?
He's played a few games and he has been playing as the secondary striker, doing the leg work for the other striker. However, with the signing of Damiao he is likely to play on equal terms. This is because he is a better option in my system than Peter Crouch. Sometimes though if I am playing up against a very obviously better opponent I doubt I'll be able to play my way out of trouble and Crouch would be a good option with Walters.
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Stoke Scrape 2-2 Draw to a plucky Granada side- 3/8/2013
New signing Leandro Damiao was not enough to inspire Stoke City to a victory against a Granada side that in reality they were expected to beat. However, the score line alone does not tell the story. Stoke wasted a 2-0 lead, provided by Peter Crouch and Marko Arnuatovic, and conceded twice in the last ten minutes. The side stoke named was strong (Butland, Muniesa, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, N'Zonzi, Adam, Ince, Arnuatovic, Damaio and Crouch) and as such Savidge was visibly anrgy. It is believed that Savidge is in the transfer market for a defender to aid the squad hold out for results.



Stoke Impressive as Cameron shown the exit- 6/8/2013
On a day that saw Geoff Cameron leave Stoke for a fee of £4 million 'The Potters' recorded a 3-1 victory over a very strong Zaragoza team. What made the victory all the more impressive was the fact that Stoke come back after going behind through a Maxwell goal and then dominated proceedings. Huth (1) and Walters (2) completed the scoring. The transfer of Cameron has not come as a surprise and Savidge was adamant that he would be replaced in the squad. When asked about the prospects of signing rumored target Henri Lansbury from Nottingham Forrest Savidge said "I am in the market for players and I am currently considering him. I think it would be an easy transition for him and I'd love to sign him." Only time will tell if Savidge is able to add Lansbury to the squad but fears from the Stoke fans are that Nottingham Forrest will be very reluctant to let such a key player leave.



Boyata Confirmed- 9/8/2013
As Stoke City Football Club we are very pleased to welcome Dedryck Boyata to our squad and would like to express our gratitude to Manchester City for allowing a deal to be completed. Mr Boyata has joined for a fee of £1.9 million and will provide additional depth to the squad and will be pushing for a first team place. We understand that this transfer was kept under wraps and we would like to apologize to the fans for not informing them sooner. However, I do believe that the caliber of player Dedryck is more than makes up for that. The 22 year old will wear the number 2 shirt and will be available for the first game of the season, against Chelsea. Mr Savidge will take all questions on matter relating to the transfer in the pre-match press conference. For more details visit www.stokecityfc.co.uk


Savidge Press Conference Live- 16/8/2013
Here follows live coverage of Savidge's press conference regarding his sides first Premier League match against the club he supports, Chelsea.

Matt Scott, Sunday Mercury: Do you have a preset fist eleven in your mind?
Luke Savidge: I have a good idea but the transfer window isn't shut and also the first view games will definitely affect this decision.
MS: Will your new signing Dedryck Boyata start?
LS: No, he will start on the bench and could get a cameo but other than that no. Currently he is still adapting to our style of play and our club in general.
Billy White, The Guardian: Chelsea have probably guessed your starting eleven based on your 'Football Focus' interview. Do you think they'll have set up to combat your passing style?
LS: If they've guessed good on them as they'll have to try and stop us. I don't believe for one minute that my players will lie down and let Chelsea walk over them!
David Harvey: Team Talk: You're currently one of the candidates for relegation if you believe the bookies. DO you think you have what it takes to stay up?
LS: Of course I do otherwise I wouldn't have taken the job.
Damien Butcher, Football 365: Would you care to comment on transfer speculation regarding you and your club?
LS: I am currently tracking two players both of which I hope to sign. However, both of their clubs are blocking a deal at the moment but there is still time. These players are Henri Lansbury and Gedion Zelalem.
DB: You say Zelalem. I understand that Wenger is unwilling to let 'The next Schweinsteiger' leave. Where do you stand?
LS: I have bid the maximum that I am willing to and if this bid is rejected I will respectfully bow out. I have already failed with 10 bids so far and feel that the transfer is now highly unlikely.
Media Spokesman: Thanks Luke and good luck!
LS: Cheers guys!



Arsene Wenger Confirms Savidge to miss out- 16/8/2013
Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Gedion Zelalem will not be leaving Arsenal to move to any club for any price in his pre-match press conference. This has scuppered Stoke's move for him and will undoubtedly force Savidge to focus on other targets. However, currently it is understood that funds are currently being redistributed in order to sign the clubs primary target Henri Lansbury. For more updates on the situation please stay tuned.



Demba Ba sinks Stoke 17/8/2013
Team Line Ups:
Stoke- Begovic, Wilson, Shawcross, Huth ,Pieters , N'Zonzi, Palacios, Arnuatovic, Ince, Walters, Damiao (4-1-1-2-2)
Chelsea- Cech, Cole, Terry, Pepe, Azpilicueta, Lampard, Yacob, Hazard, Mata, Torres, Ba (4-2-3-2)
Chelsea were inspired by Man of the Match Demba Ba to win 3-1 against Stoke City. In what was expected to be a very easy game for Chelsea it took an amazing performance from the striker to seal all three points. Chelsea took the lead in the 23rd minute from a John Terry header after a corner was whipped in. However, Stoke were back on terms in the 44th minute via Marko Arnautovic. The deadlock was then immediately broken after Juan Mata scored from the next attack, latching onto a Ba through ball. After the break, Ba then scored himself with a well timed header in the 62nd minute. Although Stoke tried to press on like their manager urged, Chelsea just simply had too much quality. Stoke's next match is against Manchester City, proving that in the Premier League the games come thick and fast. Savidge was said to be mortified that after drawing level, his team instantly allowed Chelsea to take the lead once more. In his post match interview Jamie Morris from BBC 5 Live asked him some questions:
JM: Are you disappointed or do you feel the defeat was deserved?
LS: Frankly yes. However, the debut performances from Damiao, Ince and Arnautovic were very promosing.
JM: I think it is a sign of the times that you are disappointed after losing to Chelsea. Do you think that in order to perform at a high level, Henri Lansbury is the player you need?
LS: Definitely but unfortunately a player like that demands a high price, a price that we are struggling to afford. We hope to have made a move by the deadline but I can't promise anything.
JM: Can you confirm your interest in Zelalem is over?
LS: Yes. If Wenger wasn't so unreasonable in demanding over £7 million for an unproved 16 year old it wouldn't be but unfortunately we have had to take another route!

It remains to be seen whether Stoke can deal with challenges like top four clubs and whether they'll be able to add to they're squad. One things for sure- they'll be going home disappointed as on another day the result could have gone differently.


Boyata comes back to bite City-24/8/2013
Manchester City were left to rue missed chances as Stoke City punished their bad finishing. The game, which can only be described as a thriller, ended 3-2 to Stoke and was won by a 90th minute goal by Tom Ince. The game started with a Leandro Damiao brace with him scoring in the 3rd and 5th minute. However, Manchester City then pulled back a goal on the stroke of half time through Vincent Kompany and after the break they started brightly. If not for the debutante, Dedryck Boyata, the game would have been over by the 70th minute as he pulled off two amazing goal line clearances. Despite his heroics City equalized in the 80th minute through David Silva. The goal was one of sheer beauty as he curled in a 35 yard free kick. Stoke were not deterred though and pilled on the pressure until they scored in the last minute to steal all three points. What made this victory was the fact that City did not take the game lightly and played an inmensely strong team. The teams were as follows:
Stoke: Begovic, Wilson, Boyata, Huth ,Pieters , N'Zonzi, Palacios, Arnuatovic, Ince, Walters, Damiao (4-1-1-2-2)
Manchester City: Hart, Clichy, Demicheles, Kompany, Zabeleta, Lucas Leiva, Toure, Silva, Aguero, Navas, Dzeko (4-2-3-1)

Savidge was delighted with the victory which leaves Stoke in 8th place in the Premier League standings. He was also said to be thrilled with all three of his signings and the teams performance as a whole. When asked about Manuel Pelegrini's attempt at mind games in his own press conference Savidge was stern and direct: "If anyone tries to get inside the minds of my players they can be sure to expect a backlash from said player! We are all trained to be tough and we all love to make people, especially opposing managers, eat their words!"

Stoke's next game is in the Capital One Cup against Brentford and that can be seen live on Sky Sports 2 HD.



Crouch Rescues Stoke- 29/8/2013
Peter Crouch was Stoke City's hero after he scored an 110th minute goal to seal a 1-0 victory away from home against Brentford. In a game that Stoke were expected to dominate, it was the home side that was most deadly and in fairness deserved a victory. Stoke's performance was by far the worst in the Savidge era and the manager is said to be appalled with his side. However, one thing that Savidge can take hope from is the fact that it was a greatly changed line up from the one that faced Manchester City (Butland, Pieters, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson, Edu, Ireland, Ince, Walters, Damiao, Crouch 4-1-1-2-2). When asked whether this saved his side from a telling off Savidge was left in hysterics!. He was quoted as saying "There are internationals in this team and yet we were outplayed by far worse opposition! It was awful and I let the lads know exactly how I felt!" Stoke have drawn Norwich at home in the next round and will be hoping for a much better performance. See Stoke in action this Saturday against Crystal Palace on Sky Sports 1 HD at midday.



Transfer Blog: Lansbury bid accepted- 30/8/2013
12:11 Stoke City have confirmed that they had a £3 million and Maurice Edu bid accepted by Nottingham Forrest for young center midfielder Henri Lannsbury. The former Arsenal youth star has been a target for Stoke for some weeks now and they have finally have a bid accepted. All that is left for both Lansbury and Edu to agree on terms with their respected new clubs and the deal will be confirmed. More to follow.

14:30 Henri Lansbury has agreed terms with Stoke City over his proposed deal to the club. However, the deal cannot be confirmed yet util Edu signs for Nottingham Forrest. These contract discussions seem to be difficult with Edu being reluctant to take a step down in the English League system.

3:56 Stoke City have confirmed that Maurice Edu has rejected a contract offer from Nottingham Forrest and will now be sold to another club in order to fund a deal for fellow midfielder Henri Lansbury. More on this potential transfer to come.



Crouch Hattrick is enough for Stoke- 31/8/2012
Stoke City beat Crystal Palcace 3-2 away from home after Peter Crouch scored a first half hattrick. Crouch opened the scoring on the 26th minute and had then completed his hattrick by the 44th minute, the second being scored on the 40th. However, the afternoon then became uncomfortable for Stoke after they conceeded twice early on in the second half, Kebe getting both of the goals. Despite this Stoke were able to see out the game for a win that was less comfortable than it should have been. The victory leaves Stoke 6th in the table after three matches with Chelsea and Arsenal setting the early pace. When interviewed Savidge was not angry but just mystified, "The game was a Jekyll and Hyde performance! The first half we were amazing and looked like adding to our three and then in the second half we shut down and got complacent. This is something I want to work on, they are going to have to see out games and grind out results."
Savidge declined to comment on any impending transfer movement but did agree to feature on our 'Transfer Deadline Day Special'.


Transfer Deadline Day Blog 2/9/2013
12:00
Stoke City midfielder Maurice Edu has completed a cut price £1 million deal to West Ham so that Stoke can fund his replacement, Henri Lansbury. A new deal is in the process of being worked out but will take more than the £3 million Stoke currently have.

15:34
Maurice Edu's transfer is still to be completed as he hasn't managed to agree terms yet. Rumours are that he is worried about the risk of relegation.

21:45
Maurice Edu transfer confirmed. Stoke immediatley table a £4.1 million for Henri Lansbury.

22:45
Nottingham Forrest accept bid for Lansbury. Only 15 minutes for the contract and paper work to be completed. The transfer has said to been agreed only on the conditon Forrest can sign a replacement.

23:15
Stoke City have not managed to sign Henri Lansbury this transfer window due to negotiations not being completed in time. It is believed that Nottingham Forrest pulled out at the last minute as they could not find a suitable replacement. Savidge is said to be 'deflated' and 'dejected'


Gaston Double seals Stoke's fate- 14/9/2013
Stoke City slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Southampton at St. Mary's. Gaston Ramirez netted both goals in a game that was never really a contest. After a Begovic mistake in the 25th minute Ramirez pounced on the dodgy goal kick and punished Stoke. After this the game was never a contest and a 70th minute goal from Ramirez, to secure his brace, put the gloss on the victory. However, Stoke remain in 8th place in the league with Southampton moving up to 10th. Stoke's manager, Luke Savidge, has now won two and lost two of his opening games. Savidge lamented Begovic's error and sighted a "lapse in concentration that needs to be dealt with". Despite the negatives Thomas Ince continued to impress but was unable to get an assist due to Crouch and Damiao's inaccurate finishing.



Stoke fall to second successive defeat- 21/9/2013
Stoke City fell to a second successive loss in the Premier League as they lost 1-0 to Aston Villa. Despite being away from home the Stoke faithful expected a victory due to the strong line up fielded despite a midweek fixture in the Capital One Cup looming large in Savidge's mind. The team line ups were as followed:
Aston Villa: Guzan, Luna, Okore, Vlaar, Lowton, Sylla, Westwood, El Ahmadi, Tonev, Agbonlahor, Kozak (4-1-2-2-1)
Stoke City: Butland, Pieters, Boyata, Huth, Wilkinson, N'Zonzi, Palacios, Ince, Arnuatovic, Damiao, Walters (4-1-1-2-2)

Savidge punished Asmir Begovic for his mistake against Southampton by not even giving him a squad role for the game. Instead Jack Butland made his Premier League debut. However, Savidge confirmed that Jack was injured in the game, suffering Anterior Cruciate Ligament damage, and Savidge is still unsure when he will return. The game was won with a solitary strike from Gabby Agbonlahor in the 57th minute. This defeat drops Stoke down to 11th place ahead of their midweek clash in the League Cup with Norwich.



Capital One Cup match review: Stoke City v Norwich- 24/9/2013
Final Score: 3-1 Stoke City
Star Man: Charlie Adam
Stoke Team Line Up:
Stoke- Begovic, Muniesa, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, N'Zonzi, Adam, Assiadi, Walters, Damiao, Crouch (4-1-1-2-2)

Stoke City are through to the fifth round of the Capital One Cup after a 3-1 victory over Norwich City. All three goals were assisted by Adam who won the C1C MOTM award. Robert Huth opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a bullet header from an Adam corner. Stoke's lead was then doubled early in the second half with an almost carbon copy of the opener. However, it was Shawcross that scored this one. Steven N'Zonzi then made it 3-0 with a close range finish in the 59th minute. Norwich then scored a late consolation goal in the 89th minute through Pilkinton. In his post match interview Savidge had this to say: "My team played exceptionally and this would have been a perfect night without Norwich's consolation goal. Charlie Adam was fabulous and will definitely be seeing more playing time." Savidge's men have been given a tough draw for the 5th round as they will have to play Aston Villa who they lost to in their last match. However, if they win they'll be through to the quarter finals of the Capital One Cup. That tie will be played on the 29th of October.



Swans Defeated by mighty Stoke- 28/9/2013
Stoke finish September sitting pretty in 8th in the table after a very impressive 3-0 victory over Swansea at the Britannia Stadium. The goals were provided by Shawcross, Arnautovic and Crouch. The scoring was opened in the 31st minute as Shawcross hit a 25 yard volley into the top corner. Arnatovic then doubled the lead on the stroke of half time with a well timed header from a corner. The scoring was then completed in the 65th minute when Peter Crouch tapped in a Charlie Adam cross. The victory means that after playing six games, Stoke have 9 points and sit 8th in the table. The same cannot be said for Swansea who drop to 16th place after another heavy defeat. This defeat was all the more stinging for Swansea as they were beaten at their own game as Stoke kept possession and played with measure and patience.
i'm loving this mate; really well written!
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You've made awesome signings for Stoke bro, especially Ince! :D Good luck with the story, I can already tell this is going in a brilliant direction :)
2014-02-05 18:29#158815 TodayAtTomorrow : i'm loving this mate; really well written!
Thanks, I've really put some effort into it and I'm glad you like it! I quite like writing in 3rd person!

2014-02-05 18:31#158816 NVDTahir : You've made awesome signings for Stoke bro, especially Ince! :D Good luck with the story, I can already tell this is going in a brilliant direction :)
Thanks man, it means a lot. It took a lot of work to avoid having other clubs jump in at the last minute! Ince has been fantastic and I hope he'll develop into the player he's capable of being! Cheers for the kind words :)
fantastic signing in damiao :)


Stoke Robbed by Referee- 5/10/2013
Stoke City had all three points cruelly ripped from their grasps as the referee awarded Liverpool, their opponents, a 90th minute penalty. Iago Aspas duly converted the penalty to ensure the game ended 2-2. Savidge was said to be furious that a refereeing decision could overshadow a brilliant game and was quoted as saying "I can't quite believe it! We had all three points in the bag just for Liverpool to bring on a twelfth man to award a penalty! I am probably going to have my wrist slapped now by the FA but I don't care. When their refs learn to officiate properly, that's when I'll regulate my conduct!"

Despite being away from home, Stoke started the game brightest and scored the opener via Leandro Damiao. 'The Kop' weren't silent for long as Aspas scored his first of the game, not the penalty, after capping of a brilliant solo run from Luis Suarez with a lob over Asmir Begovic. However, after the break, Stoke soon struck again as Jonathon Walters struck a 35 yard thunderbolt effort into the top left hand corner in the 50th minute. From this moment on Stoke were the dominant side but couldn't make their advantage show. Stoke were unchanged from their last game and this clearly showed in their legs during the last five minutes with some reckless challenges being made. However, these challenges were worthy of punishment unlike the incident for the penalty. When Johnson was running into the box he theatrically dived under no contact whatsoever, yet bizarrely the referee penalised Charlie Adam and awarded the penalty. With the entirety of Anfields breath being held, Aspas coolly rolled the resulting penalty into the back of the net- sending Begovic the wrong way. Savidge had this to say directly after the game: "Its sign of the times that we are coming away disappointed with only one point from a game against Liverpool. Although if the referee was fair and balanced then I wouldn't be so down beat at the moment!" This result leaves Savidge's Stoke in 9th place.



Savidge avoids punishment- 7/10/2013
The Football Association have today confirmed that Stoke City manager, Luke Savidge, will not be punished for his actions after his sides draw at Liverpool. Liverpool were awarded a penalty by the referee, which Savidge described as Liverpool's "Twelfth Man". The FA have not provided a reason as to why Savidge escaped a sanction but Savidge has been quoted as saying "I didn't care either way. I stand by my actions."

Only time will tell if Savidge has poured fuel on an already roaring fire.



Stoke punished by rampant Remy 20/10/2013
Stoke failed to keep their run of form going after a poor performance against Newcastle away from home. Stoke were comprehensively beaten 2-1, a score line that could have read much bleaker for Stoke fans if it wasn't for the inspired goalkeeping of Asmir Begovic. Stoke named a weakened side with Savidge's mind clearly on his teams next match at home to Arsenal. The team line ups where as follows:
Newcastle: Krul, Santon, Yanga-Mbiwa, Coloccini, Debuchy, Anita, Cabaye, Guitierres, Ben Arfa, Zaha, Remy (4-3-3)
Stoke: Begovic, Wilson, Huth, Boyata, WIlkinson,N'Zonzi, Ireland, Ince, Arnautovic, Damiao, Crouch (4-1-1-2-2)

Remy opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a legitimate penalty after Ireland handled in the area. Remy then doubled the lead in the 71st minute with a calm and collected finish when under pressure in the box. When Newcastle pressed for a third, Thomas Ince (a constant beacon of hope for Stoke fans) scored a perfect counter attacking goal unassisted. After the game Savidge was questioned about the implications of the result. He had this to say: "This result has highlighted that my squad needs more depth, especially in midfield and in attack. Ireland, frankly had a shocker and in honesty I'm considering terminating the loan deal. I am looking forward to New Years Day so I can spend some cash on reinforcements."

Has Savidge shown his inexperience by talking about individuals? Will he cancel the loan deal? Give us your feedback at www.totallylegitsportsnews.co.uk



Gunner gunned down- 26/10/2013
Arsenal were well and truly beaten by a stunning Stoke City who played in the mold of their opponents. The game at the Britannia ended 4-1 to the hosts and Savidge's side gave a perfect example of possession based football. The scoring was opened by Olivier Giroud in the 18th minute after he headed home a free-kick. At this point Savidge forced his side to play with a higher tempo and look to tackle higher up the pitch. This worked a treat as they were back on level terms in the 34th minute when Walters bundled the ball home after a Charlie Adam corner. However, it was after the break that the floodgates opened and Stoke began to dominate. Leandro Damiao lashed home a powerful volley in the 55th minute and the lead was then doubled by Ince. He scored in the 73rd minute to make pile the pressure onto Arsenal. The game then went from bad to worse for the Londoners who then conceded an own goal through Moreno in the 86th minute which put the result beyond doubt. Savidge was absolutely delighted with his side and had this to say "This is an absolutely great feeling! Beating another top, top side. No disrespect to Arsenal but they were no match for my side and they reacted just how I wanted to after the poor result last week."

Here are our team ratings:
Stoke: Begovic 7, Pieters 7, Huth 8, Shawcross 6, Wilkinson 7, N'Zonzi 8, Adam 8, Ince 10, Walters 7, Damiao 9, Crouch 5
Arsenal: Szcz?sny 4, Monreal 5, Moreno 5, Koscielny 6, Richards 7, Ramsey 5, Flamini 2, Cazorla 6, Wilshere 6, Walcott 7, Giroud 7

Stoke now move up to 9th place in the league after slipping to 13th last week whereas Arsenal's poor form continues as they sink to 12th.



Stoke through at Villa's expense-29/10/2013
Stoke are through to the quarter finals of the Capital One Cup after a 1-0 victory at home over Aston Villa. It took until the 3rd minute of stoppage time in the second half for a break through to be found but eventually Stoke prevailed. Leandro Damiao scored the crucial goal to edge Stoke closer to the Cup. Savidge said he didn't want to effect the team dynamic and to that means left the team unchanged from the one that demolished Arsenal. However, this made sure the team were tired and adding another 90 minutes onto tired legs will mean rotation will be essential for the Stoke's next match. The draw for the next round is yet to be made but Savidge was bullish in his press conference saying that his team must now be among the favorites regardless of the draw. For more information check out our mobile phone app!

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