Saturday, 15 October 2011

Premier League Stoke vs Fulham

Simply put the first half was boring with very little talking points apart from maybe Peter Crouch’s header late in the half. Neither team was playing ultra defensive yet neither team was looking to burst forward giving all they had.

John Arne Riise then nearly give Fulham the lead with a trademark free kick, which well and truly crashed off the bar. A shot which could break somebody’s leg as Alan Smith will no from his horrible experience.

Etherington who looked bright after having sugar injections to try to bring back his once great form and he nearly got himself a goal but his strike was heading wide but team-mate Jon Walters was quick enough to smash it home and Stoke had the lead. Rory Delap’s glancing header then sealed the game.

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis:

“It was a great result because Fulham are a decent side and looked really dangerous off their long throws and set-plays.

“But in general play I didn’t think they caused us too many problems. We had six or seven good opportunities to score and we would have been very disappointed if we hadn’t won.

“We’ve got it going [at home] and the crowd have been fantastic. They get behind us brilliantly. It’s been a great start to the season for us.”

Fulham manager Martin Jol:

“We did well for 80 minutes but from a free-kick they scored and the negative thing is that we gave away unnecessary free-kicks which you shouldn’t do against them. I think we contained them but it’s not easy on this pitch to play our football.

“I thought we were OK. We hit the post and had a couple of chances so to give it away in the last 10 minutes is harsh.

“I don’t think we played well enough to win but we contained them for 80 minutes. We were pretty good at the back.”