Normal service was resumed as the Potters reclaimed their crown from the Baggies by re-introducing some pace and movement into the front line which, on the day, made all the difference.
- Potters claim third straight win
- Blog: It'll never happen at the Hawthorns
Not long after I filed my previous article Stoke boss Tony Pulis told the pre-match press conference that Peter Crouch could feature in this game and if not, that Michael Owen could come into contention. Whether or not this was mind games on the manager's part I don't know but as it happened neither player was fit to feature so it was a long awaited start for the recently impressive Kenwyne Jones. Had Crouch been fit he would have started, and had he started, Stoke wouldn't have won this game as he would have had no pace or strength to get us up the pitch or pin the opposition back by having the threat of getting in behind the defence. My thoughts on Crouch vs. Jones are well known so I'll leave that particular drum alone tonight and concentrate on the other talking points from the game.
Geoff Cameron - Geoff has done a sterling job for Stoke, to come to this country and settle in so quickly is commendable, to do that and play in three different positions with relative ease is even better. Sadly his latest position has seen him struggle the last couple of games, our lack of cover has seen him stuck out at left back and it's clear to see that he is not comfortable there. He gave the ball away too many times, losing possession more than any other player on the pitch, and they weren't passes or slips in the middle of the park they were in Stoke's half and led to attacks on our goal. I don't see how Stoke can resolve this before the transfer window given the paucity of options and injuries we have to contend with. That we saw Popov do so well for West Brom only rubs salt into the wounds at what might have been.
Charlie Adam - I'm starting to think that signing Adam was a big mistake. I think he has looked great when he has played deep and in-between the other two midfielders but he is being completely and utterly wasted behind the striker and to see him chasing the ball between the opposition defenders is criminal. He is a terrible tackler too and his obvious discomfort of a new position is leading to frustration which has seen him booked early on in recent games and therefore needing to be subbed. His removal from proceedings on Saturday was absolutely the right thing to do; he was a liability and had zero influence on the game. Like Crouch, Adam seems to have been bought with little thought to how he would be used, he is struggling up front and can't play in a midfield two, so what the club do with him moving forward is anyone's guess.
Steven N'Zonzi - Every time I watch Steve play I'm completely in awe. When we're under pressure I can feel the anxiety go as soon as the ball gets to him, and you can see the players feel the same. Stoke will be under pressure, pinned back in their own half and then N'Zonzi receives it and the world slows down and he always looks like he has all the time in the world to decide what to do. He is the most important player Stoke have and whilst it's early days, is looking like the best midfielder I have ever seen at the club. The only negative for me is that his form will not go unnoticed and whilst I love Stoke, he is destined for the absolute top, I just hope we can get as many years as possible out of him.
Kenwyne Jones - Ok, I will beat that drum, but only a little. Kenwyne did brilliantly. West Brom are a good side and despite being isolated for much of the contest his work rate was admirable and, much as he did midweek, he chased everything down causing the opposition to lose possession. He also showed great strength, pace and power on the turn, winning vital free kicks to give the side a breather and get the team up the pitch, one such charging run into the corner was the catalyst for our goal, just reward for his efforts.
I said earlier in the week, pace wins games and on Saturday it did just that. This was Stoke's first away win in SEVENTEEN attempts, the fact that it was Jones' first start is far from a coincidence.
Vis Unita Fortior