Big test at Stoke, and we got through it, mainly by clinical finishing from the few chances we had, and point blank saves from Migs when he had to. I don't know how much he knew about the saves themselves, but somehow they stayed out.
Prospects before ko were not promising, with various players out or on the bench. They looked bleak at half time, 1 goal down and not exactly peppering the opposition goal either. Then Migs made his first save and it was the turning point. Even then, we were struggling to create anything before the equaliser. Then we hit them twice in 2 minutes. Firmino's celebration was ill advised though, and his 5th booking of the season may be an automatic suspension for next week, when we need all hands on deck. After Migs second save, they seemed to throw the towel in and we saw it out comfortably enough. It's our first away win in 4 months and our first away win in a 3pm ko all season, taking just 5 points from 15.
Next week is another game where the sleeves need to be rolled up to face the set piece specialists. We have never beaten Pulis away from home in the league, and it'll be a huge effort to do so this time. Especially as it's just one day after the anniversary. Hopefully we'll survive the hacking, elbowing, long throw, and corner kick barrage and get out of there with a decent result to show for it.
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