Stoke City: A Love/Hate Relationship

2014-02-05 21:39#158857 patrick1 : fantastic signing in damiao

Thanks! I think what makes it better is the fact that others have signed him on their saves for much more! He was a bargain.

Begovic Howler costs Stoke- 2/11/2013
Asmir Begovic robbed his own side of a crucial away victory at Fulham by scoring a calamitous own goal. Stoke seemed to be leaving Craven Cottage with all three points after Leandro Damiao put his side ahead in the 11th minute with an assured finish. However, Fulham snatched a point in comical fashion as Begovic scored an own goal that will feature on goalkeeper blooper reels for years to come. Wilkinson, who was the one change from Stoke's games against Arsenal and Aston Villa, passed the ball back to his goalkeeper expecting a clearance up field. However, what he got was an awful touch from his goalkeeper that caused the ball to bobble over the line. Up until the own goal Stoke had been dominating the match and were simply trying to waste time until the final whistle. Savidge was furious after the game and lamented his side's lack of killer instinct. He had this to say: "I can't believe that we can have 65% possession and over 15 shots on target and still only score one goal. My side are simply not ruthless enough and need to learn to grab any chances they get with both hands." When Savidge was asked to comment on the nature of Fulham's goal he seemed to gather himself and answered very diplomatically- "I have no words to say against Asmir and I'm sure that he will be determined to make amends. No one will be blaming him. Football is a team game and everyone in the squad is as guilty as Begovic."



Robin runs the show- 11/11/2013
Manchester United comprehensively beat a Stoke side that offered very little in the attacking third. Robin van Persie was United's stand out performer as they won 3-1, with van Persie scoring two and forcing the error for the third. The first half was a very scrappy one as neither side seemed willing to attack and potentially leave themselves vulnerable to a counter attack. However, the second half was a different affair. Manchester United were quick out of the blocks and they opened the scoring in the 46th minute. Robin van Persie finished with a cheeky chip after Kagawa had played a defense splitting ball. The scoreline then read 2-0 four minutes later as van Persie curled a luscious free kick past the wall and into the net. The third and final United goal was an own goal from a helpless Robert Huth. van Persie took a shot that cruelly deflected off Huth's toe and out of the reach of Asmir Begovic. The scoring was not complete here though as Marko Arnautovic scored a late consolation goal. However, this did little to lighten the home fans spirits and only proved to provide personal happiness for the player. Stoke manager, Luke Savidge was very philosophical when speaking at the post match press conference. He had this to say: "It is always disappointing to lose but when the team you're against has a player like RVP in their ranks its difficult to get a result. Although this one didn't go how me and the fans dreamt it would, we can be proud of our efforts today. Plus if anyone is particularly blue tonight, just remember we beat City and Arsenal who are both sides of higher caliber than United."

Stoke are in action in twelve days time at Carrow Road where they face Norwich. Can they bounce back against a side that are in great form of late and find themselves in 7th place? Be sure to watch the match on Sky!



Boyata Opens his Stoke Account- 23/11/2013
Dedryck Boyata scored his first goal in Stoke colours to help them to a 3-0 victory away from home to Norwich. Norwich were expected to push Stoke all the way and were favourites for the victory. However, their inability to deal with Stoke's aerial presence cost them as all three goals were scored from corners. Stoke opened the scoring when Robert Huth, who was keen to make amends for last weeks own goal, headed home after a 25th minute Charlie Adam corner. Stoke's lead was doubled in the 50th minute after Brek Shea, who was making his debut for Stoke, managed to flick Thomas Ince's corner across goal leaving Steven N'Zonzi with a simple tap in for 2-0. The Stoke side (Begovic, Pieters, Boyata, Huth, Wilkinson, N'Zonzi, Adam, Shea, Ince, Damiao, Walers) them completed the scoring in the 70th minute with Boyata rising highest to meet Adam's delivery. This goal caused euphoria amount the fans and team, as all parties seemed genuinely delighted for Boyata. Despite his sides performance, Savidge was then grilled by the media. Seemingly every journalist that had arrived was disappointed in a Mark Hughes and Tony Pulis-esc Stoke performance. Savidge soon brushed this criticism aside- "My side showed real determination and grit to grind out a result tonight. Yes, the goals didn't come from beautiful pieces of football, but our new style of play allowed us to win the corners we scored from. If you had players as strong in the air as I do you'd capitalise on that wouldn't you?" Chris Hughton was not so complimentary towards Stoke's game plan though. "I can understand playing to your strengths but they were always looking to win corners rather than scoring from open play! One thing that my players can be certain on is that they are going to have to work hard on their defensive positioning after that performance"

This victory has left Stoke City in 8th place and has earned Robert Huth and Dedryck Boyata places in the Premier League 'Team of the Week'. Can Stoke build on this performance and pick up maximum points against West Ham in their next match? Find out next Saturday!



Recklessness costs Stoke- 30/11/2013
On a night where the weather was dire and the football on display at the Britannia stadium wasn't much better, West Ham nicked a 1-0 victory through an 80th minute penalty. This penalty was scored by Mark Noble after Maiga was fouled by Eric Pieters. Unlike other penalties this season, Stoke had nothing to complain about as Pieters went in two footed with his studs up. If anything Stoke were lucky not to have their man sent off seeing that the tackle was unnecessarily dangerous. Up until the penalty the game seemed to be heading for a 0-0 'bore draw' as neither side had managed a shot on target in 80 minutes of football. This added to the frustration of Savidge, as he knew that even without the penalty his side wouldn't have managed to get three points from a game where a win was seen as a necessity. Savidge laid into his players in his press conference and was quoted as saying "Unless they buck up their ideas then we have no chance of achieving a mid table finish!" The night went from bad to worse for Savidge though as star striker Leandro Damiao had to be substituted. However, it is currently unknown what the injury is and whether it is serious. For updates on Leandro's condition keep checking our website, www.bbcsport.co.uk



Injury Update- 31/11/2013
Leandro Damiao will be ruled out with an ankle injury for between one and two months, according to his manager. Damiao was injured and had to be substituted in the 84th minute of Stoke's clash with West Ham and it has been confirmed that he has suffered a 'heavily twisted ankle'. Stoke's physios are said to be working flat out on his treatment but Savidge was said not to be keen on "rushing him back without due reason". This injury may force Savidge to look at the free agents market with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake thought to be on his shortlist. More updates to come.

Too bad about Begovic there, I rate him very highly as a keeper.

2014-02-09 13:07#159514 Toon : Too bad about Begovic there, I rate him very highly as a keeper.

So did I! XD
In all seriousness I'm not going to dwell on a goalkeeping mistake, seeing that I am a goalkeeper myself and I know how bad it feels to concede when you know you could have done better!

Before I get into the update I'd like to apologise for how short it is tonight! I've had a lot on my plate at the moment and have been trying to right as often as possible. Obviously I want my updates to be good but it takes a lot of time to write in 3rd person so this update will just be a stop gap until later this week. Enjoy :)



Hull City Sunk- 3/12/13
A first half header from Peter Crouch was enough to see of Hull City at the KC Stadium. Despite the hosts having the best of the opportunities in the match, it was Stoke who came away with all three points. Savidge's Stoke provided a prime example of clinical finish, as they only mustered three shots on target in the entire game. Hull will come away from today's game feeling hard done by and ruing their 19 wasted opportunities (number of shots on target). Stoke fielded a slightly rotated team from their last match which ended in disappointment, with five changes being made. The team sheet read as follows:
Hull City: McGregor, Figueroa, Davies, Bruce, Boyce, Johnson, Livermore, Huddlestone, Aluko, Elmohamady, Sagbo
Stoke City: Begovic, Pieters, Shawcross, Huth, Wilkinson, Wilson, Ireland, Ince, Arnautovic, Walters, Crouch

Stephen Ireland's inclusion in the team came as a shock to many as Savidge had previously stated his discontent at his performances. Alas, this start was cut short after 15 minutes as he hobbled off with an injury. His replacement, Charlie Adam, then set up Crouch for the only goal of the game. After the game Savidge seemed content enough with the result and said "a victory is a victory regardless of how ugly". He also sent a seemingly personal warning to Stephen Ireland by stating that he was considering "terminating the loan deal and reinvesting his wages". Only time will tell if Savidge decides this to be the best use of his funds but one thing for sure is that with his side performing in the league, he will go to bed happy.



Murray's Analyis- 4/12/13
As we near the midway point of this season, I thought that now would be a good time to analyse the table. I think that the real surprise package of this season has been Newcastle United who are currently sitting pretty in 2nd with Chelsea having played one more match. To this end Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool who sit 11th, 14th and 15th respectively. This is a rel turn up for the books seeing that all of them have played 14 matches! The facts are simple. Their star men haven't turned up this season and as such they haven't been at the races. I think something must be said for Stoke City. They haven't been tearing up the league this season but they've been going about their passing business, implimented by new manager Luke Savidge, and find themselves in a solid 9th place. I really believe if they can keep their solid form together they've got a real shot of finishing in the top half of the table. Now to focus on the relegation candidates. Crystal Palace look as good as relegated with only four points in 14 matches. However, I think that 19th and 18th place will be held by one of Aston Villa, Hull, Swansea and Fulham. None of these sides can continue with their inconsistent form and expect to stay up, it is as simple as that! It may be brave to predict a title winning side at this early stage but I'm going to plump for Chlesea with Manchester United finsihing 2nd. I think that if Arsenal can have a barnstorming second half of the season, they will be candidates for third alongside Newcastle.
Jack Murray, The Guardian

Stoke beat the Blue Birds- 7/12/13
Stoke City produced a brilliant performance to beat Cardiff City, owned by eccentric Malaysian Vincent Tan, 3-1 away from home. Before the match Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, seemed bullish in his approach and said to the media that he expected to see his side run out comfortable winners. The game turned out to be quite the contrast, with Stoke fighting back after conceding early on in the game. When, Frenchman, Kévin Théophile-Catherine put Cardiff 1-0 up in the 5th minute it looked like Ole's prediction would come true. Cardiff then managed to shut Stoke out until half time where Savidge must have given an almighty team talk, as his side came out all guns blazing in the second half. His team pressured and hassled Cardiff and soon got their reward with N'Zonzi volleying home in the 58th minute. Stoke then took the lead through Ryan Shawcross, who headed in a Charlie Adam corner in the 83rd minute. The result was put beyond doubt by Thomas Ince who scored his 4th league goal of the season in the 92nd minute to make the score 3-1. Charlie Adam once again proved to be inspirational to Stoke who's team read as follows:
Begovic, Pieters, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, N'Zonzi, Adam, Shea, Ince, Crouch, Arnautovic

Despite Stoke's result and performance a thorn in the side for Savidge was the performance of supposed 'Star Man' Marko Arnautovic. His form recently has been nothing short of dreadful and some fans are questioning Savidge as to why he is still starting. When Savidge was asked at his press conference he had this to say: "Despite Marko's apparent lack of form we have now managed to climb to 6th in the table. You can't exactly place much blame on the lad's shoulders seeing that he has had to play as a striker, a winger and a midfielder this campaign. Just cut him some slack and his performances will do the talking." With Stoke now climbing into 6th place you can't question Savidge who has seemed to get his Stoke side firing on all cylinders.



Arnautovic Answers Critics- 14/12/13
Marko Arnautovic repaid his manager's faith in him by scoring the winning goal against West Brom. In a tight game at the Britannia Stadium it took an 88th minute winner from Marko Arnautovic to secure all three points for Stoke City. Both sides who were struggling with injuries seemed to field their strongest eligible sides and attacked from the off. The teams lined up as follows:
Stoke: Begovic, Pieters, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, N'Zonzi, Adam, Ince, Arnautovic, Walters, Crouch (4-1-1-2-2)
West Brom: Foster, Ridgewell, Olsson, McAuley, Jenkinson, Brunt, Dorrans, Thorne, Morrison, Ya Konan, Long (4-4-2)
West Brom were handed the lead in the 5th minute when Wilkinson diverted a Didier Ya Konan cross into his own net, with Begovic powerless to prevent the own goal. However, Stoke were then back on level terms in the 10th minute when Peter Crouch headed home from close range after an N'Zonzi cross. In the second half the game soon slowed down and the game seemed to be heading for a draw. At this point Marko Arnautovic entered stage right. In the 88th minute he picked up the ball on the half way line and sprinted towards the West Brom goal taking players on left and right until he was left with just the keeper to beat. Arnautovic then calmly slotted the ball past a flailing Foster and into the net to seal all three points for Stoke. This victory leaves Stoke in 4th place which Savidge was thrilled at. He was quoted as saying "I can't believe it! I know we may be over achieving but we are currently in the Champions League places! And some people have tipped us for relegation! I hope the bookies enjoy those peoples cash!"
Stoke are next in action in the Capital One Cup Quarter Final against Hull City. Watch highlights of that match on Sky Go.



Penalty Heart Break for Stoke- 18/12/13
Stoke City have been knocked out of the Capital One Cup in the quarter finals by Hull City. After the match ended 0-0 in regular time with neither side having very many opportunities, the match went to extra time. During the second period of extra time Stoke probably should have had a penalty when Steven N'Zonzi was blatantly fouled on inside the area and yet the referee did not act. As was not given and neither side managed to find a break through the game went to penalties. Hull City won the penalty shoot out 5-4 with Charlie Adam being the only man to have a penalty saved. Adam, who had to be helped off the pitch by his team mates, wept at the end of the penalty shoot out which showed how much Stoke wanted to win the competition. Savidge was also distraught in the press conference and was visibly upset, although he held back the tears. When asked whether he felt that his side could have won the trophy had the result been different he had this to say: "It is easy to talk about what ifs and what buts, but the fact of the matter is that we lost and in the harshest way possible. Had the score line been different I think we would have had our name engraved on the trophy this year but alas, it wasn't out night. Now if you excuse me I need to go and have a drink with the lads!"

With Hull into the semi finals, do you think they can win the cup? Reply at www.cap1cup.com

I'd just like to say thank you to everyone that has read or commented on my story! I didn't imagine that I would get 100 views, let alone over 1000. Thank you and stay tuned as an update is coming after lunch!

Maybe if you wrote updates in a more understandable way people would love this story

Stoke bounce back- 21/12/13
Luke Savidge's Stoke City put their cup heartbreak behind them and put in a very impressive performance against Sunderland to run out 3-2 winners. Savidge named a weakened team compared to the one that played against Hull in the Capital One Cup, yet there was no sign of a drop in performance and Stoke's impressive run in the league continued. Savidge made three changes to his side with Palacois, Shea and Assaidi all coming in at the expense of Adam, Ince and Arnautovic. Despite the lack of first team creative players, Stoke took the lead in the 12th minute through Jon Walters who rounded off a fine team move that started on the half way line. The Britannia then erupted in the 33rd minute when Brek Shea curled a 40 yard free kick into the bottom left corner. Both the Stoke fans and players alike celebrated jubilantly as Shea seemingly staked a place in Savidge's future plans. However, the lead was halved on the stroke of half time as Adam Johnson, who had recently been recalled by the English National Team, fired past Begovic from close range. This must have changed Savidge's team talk as the Stoke players came out fighting in the second half. This intent was soon converted into a goal as Jon Walters scored his second of the game only one minute into the second half. From this point onward Stoke controlled the game. A late goal from Alitidore threatened to relight the contest but Stoke smartly slowed the game down to preserve a victory that sees them stay in a lofty 4th place. When interviewed Savidge was said to be delighted with young Shea's performance and stood up to those who have been criticising the young USA international: "I think Brek's performance today has shut a lot of people up! You lot all questioned whether he was good enough for Stoke, let alone the USA, and I think that today's performance has showed what Brek is made of. Yes, he may not be our star man, but when he is called upon, you can bet your house that he will grab his opportunity with both hands.

Stoke now face probably their toughest test for weeks, as they face an inform Everton side away from home.

In other news, Icelandic international midfielder, Aron Gunnarsson has expressed his discontent with his current club Cardiff City. It is believed that he has fallen out with the current manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and wants to leave as soon as possible. Cardiff have released a statement which says that the Welsh club will now listen to any offers made, as long as they meet the clubs £4.1 million valuation.


N'Zonzi strike enough for Stoke- 26/12/13
In a feisty game full of tough tackles and rough play, Stoke won the 'Battle of Boxing Day' with a hard fought 1-0 victory. The solitary goal came in the 30th minute when Steven N'Zonzi headed home from a corner. However, the score line does not do the game justice as it was an immense, end to end game where three goals were ruled out for offside. The linesman had a great game however, as all of the 'goals' were offside. The referee was also outstanding as he understood how much the game meant and didn't stop the game after every tough, yet fair, tackle. The game saw two very attacking teams go hammer and tongs to get a result and Everton fans could feel hard done by as on another day, the result may have gone their way. The teams were set up as follows in very attacking formations:
Everton: Howard, Baines, Heitinga, Jagielka, Coleman, Barry, Gibson, Pienaar, Osman, Mirallas, Lukaku (4-2-3-1)
Stoke: Begovic, Pieters, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, N'Zonzi, Adam, Shea, Ince, Crouch, Walters (4-1-1-2-2)

After last weeks heroics, all eyes were on Brek Shea who made back to back Premier League starts for the first time. Shea did not disappoint as he put in a second man of the match performance in a row. This high level of performance saw him gain plaudits from Roberto Martinez, his opposing manager! Roberto had this to say: He was simply faultless! I can't think of a player who has played better against us all season!" This was high praise for a man who had been condemned to the reserves until recently, until Marko Arnautovic's performances began to become so poor he didn't warrant a first team berth.

Stoke play next on the 28th, giving them very little time to recover. This lack of time between games is made worse by the fact that they face Tottenham at White Heart Lane. Watch that game live on Sky Sports 3.



Stoke finally beaten! 28/12/13
Stoke's 5 game unbeaten run was brought to a startling end as they were thrashed 4-1 by Tottenham at White Heart Lane. Tottenham's biggest summer signing, Tom Cleverly was influential in the game and scored one and assisted the other three goals. This performance earned him the Man of the Match award. However, the game didn't seem like it was going to be plain sailing after Brek Shea continued his run of good form and scored in the 2nd minute to the delight of the travelling fans. Despite this early goal, Spurs were not deterred and equalised in the 10th minute as Dawson headed home after Erikson put in a delightful free kick. The game was then put to bed in 20 devastating minutes for Stoke. Cleverly put Tottenham 2-1 up in the 12th minute with a delicate chip over Begovic, much to his annoyance. The lead was then doubled when Moussa Dembele slotted home in the 21st minute. Next, Roberto Soldado marked his return from a niggling back injury by scoring a wonderful scissor kick in the 32nd minute. Despite Savidge barking orders at his players from the touchline, the game was comfortably seen out by Tottenham. After the match Savidge lamented his players but was also fair in his criticisms. This is what he had to say; "I know, due to injuries, we had to play pretty much the same team with only two days break but I just don't understand what happened in that 10 minutes! The team looked like they thought the job was done and that they were ready for a cup of tea! Honestly, three goals in ten minutes!"

Some good news for Stoke fans though is that Aron Gunnarsson was seen at the match sitting with the Stoke top brass. However, this deal is yet to be even mentioned by the club and both Spurs and Stoke are rumored to be interested, hence his appearance at the match. This is one deal that could be completed soon and confirmed on the opening of the transfer window. Watch this space.



Stoke confirm Gunarsson Deal- 1/1/2014
Stoke City have confirmed the signing of Icelandic Midfielder, Aron Gunarsson for a fee of £4.1 million pounds. The 24 year old was unhappy at Cardiff and caught Stoke's eye when on international duty. The midfielder was said to be delighted with his move, as was Savidge. At a press conference Savidge had this to say:

"Let this be a warning to our competitors. This may look like a hefty fee for a club like mine, but this fee isn't even recognized on my budget for this transfer window. I still have plenty of cash to spend and trust me, I will spend it on the best players that I can."

Another player that joins Stoke today is American, Juan Agudelo. The young striker joins on a pre-contract meaning that Stoke did not have to pay a fee. Although this transfer was sanctioned last year by Savidge's predecessor, Mark Hughes, Savidge was happy to bring in the American as cover for the first team strikers.



Savidge Pens New Contract- 2/1/2014
Stoke City have tied up Luke Savidge's contract for a further year due to the high level of success he has had in his current tenure. Stoke sit 5th in the Premier League table under Savidge, which surprisingly isn't the highest position they've been in this season (3rd being the highest last month). Savidge was said to be thrilled and looked forward to a long and happy relationship with Stoke City Football Club.

You're doing really well, congrats on getting a new contract

2014-02-18 13:47#161903 Nick : You're doing really well, congrats on getting a new contract

Cheers man! I was really surprised when it came through on my inbox! If this had been another save I may have turned it down but I want to take Stoke to the glitzy heights of European football!

A quick note before we get under way! I'm sorry that I haven't managed to update my story for two whole weeks! I've had lots going on personal life wise and computer wise and just haven't found the time. However, we should be back on track now, starting with this mini update, and I hope to have finished the first season by this time next week! Enjoy guys!



Walters Fires Stoke to 2nd- 2/1/2013
Chelsea FC were left stunned by a spirited and brilliant performance by Stoke City this afternoon. A solitary goal coming from Jon Walters was enough to see Chelsea beaten 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. The hosts were expected to run riot after Stoke were left to lick their wounds following a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Tottenham. However, Stoke dug deep and beat Chelsea to prevent back to back league defeats. The 1-0 score line does not dot he match justice as both sides played attractive,attacking football but simply lacked a final ball. If it wasn't for a moment of sheer chaos in the Chelsea back line, the tie would have ended as an enthralling 0-0 draw. Jon Walters aimlessly punted the ball up field in the 78th minute trying to relieve the pressure on his own defense. What he couldn't have predicted was John Terry's touch. As the ball dropped he attempted to clear the ball but instead knocked it behind him. Seeing that he was the last man, barring Cech, the ball was therefore presented for Walters to chase and slot past the helpless Petr Cech. Walters, who was lucky to start over new signing Agudelo due to his hit and miss form this season, celebrated wildly at his goal but then diligently saw out his defensive duties by preventing Eden Hazard from scoring from 5 yards out with a sumptuous last ditch tackle. Walter's boss, Luke Savidge had this to say about his team and his man's performance:
"Another fantastic display! If someone had told me that we would be 2nd in January I would have laughed in their face but we have had some real momentum behind us and I think we are becoming a bigger and bigger scalp to take! What makes this victory even sweeter is that Walters, who Mourinho picked out as a 'weak link' in my team, had a storming match and sealed our victory. Bring on the FA Cup!"

The match that Savidge eluded to was Stoke's 3rd round tie against Wolves, which is their third away game in a row. No doubt that Savidge will rest some of his big stars for this game but how much of an impact will this make? Find out when you watch the match live on ITV.

Player Ratings:
Chelsea: Cech 6, Bertrand 6, Luiz 5, Terry 4, Azpilicueta 7, Mikel 6, Lampard 7, Hazard 9, van Ginkel 5, Oscar 7, Ba 6 (4-2-3-1)
Stoke: Begovic 7, Pieters 6, Boyata 8, Muniesa 8, Huth 7, N'Zonzi 6, Adam 7, Shea 6, Ince 7, Crouch 5, Walters (MOTM) 10 (4-1-1-2-2)



Wolves Scalp Stoke- 4/1/2014
Stoke Manager Luke Savidge's own words came back to bite him as he saw his side dramatically crash out of the FA Cup with a 7-2 (Seven) defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. After Savidge said that his side's scalp was becoming a large one, his side were then thrashed by League One opponents in their next match. What makes the defeat worse, especially in the supporters' eyes, is that Stoke had been tipped as an outside shot for the trophy itself but have now fallen at the first hurdle. Savidge was visably outraged with the match and was seen swearing on the touch line. He had this to say after the match: "The phrase Jekyll and Hyde comes to mind! I don't get how you can beat the best team in your league but then lose to a team two division lower than you! I can't actually think of a worse performance from this side and I also can't think of any more expletives than the ones I used on the touch line!" Savidge was then asked whether the fact that he named a weakened side made his anger more severe. He responded with this "Yes, because we had a full strength defense and conceded seven times!"

Savidge was right in this fact, shown by his team selection (Sørensen, Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, Gunnarsson, Ness, Assaidi, Arnautovic, Agudelo, Damiao) which included new signing Aron Gunnarsson who made his debut. However, his debut was definitely one to forget! The game was over before it had even began as Wolves raced into a 3-0 lead within the first twenty minutes with Sigurdarsson, Doyle and O'Hara getting the goals in the 8th, 10th and 20th minute respectively. O'Hara's was the pick of the bunch of the three as he scored a 40 yard screamer which threatened to break to the net! Stoke managed to stop the rot until half time where Savidge's team talk, or team scream as it should have been called, was audible from the dugout. This team talk did not improve the situation however, as the score was 4-0 and then 5-0 in the 53rd and 57th minutes. Paterson scored the 4th and Jamie O'Hara added to his goal tally with another great goal, this one coming from an ambitious but very well struck free kick. Another Stoke debutante managed to mark his first game with a consolation goal to make it 5-1 in the 60th minute. This goal only spurred Wolves on further as they scored their 6th and 7th goals in the 80th and 86th minutes. David Davies scored a tap in for 6-1 but the seventh was a much more eventful goal. Jamie O'Hara took a shot from long range which Gunnarsson controlled and distributed back to his 'keeper. However, this pass back had the power of a shot and was badly directed and as such it nestled in the bottom right hand corner. Thomas Sørensen who was making his first appearance this season was close to tears after this goal and let Gunnarsson know about his frustrations. If the night was one that Stoke fans will want to forget it will be one the Agudelo will not want to, as he managed to get his second goal on his debut in the 90th minute with a clever header at the back post after a corner.

Stoke's next match is not an easy one as they face Manchester City in the league. They will be hoping to bounce back from this drubbing but City, now under Jürgen Klopp's management will be keen to capitalise on what must be a tentative dressing room. For news and transfer updates, seeing that it is the January Transfer Window, log on to www.itv.co.uk