On way home from Stoke. Thoughts on game. its a long one!

Initially disappointed that we only went with RVW up front on his own. Was hoping Hooper might feature after Watford.
However, we started brightly and were camped in the Stoke half for first 15 mins. Wolf unlucky when he hit the post early but we carried on in same vein. Our central midfield duo of Tettey & Fer looked solid as rock. Tettey was excellent sitting in front of the back 4 and Leroy just sauntered around and won the ball. Kept the ball and passed the ball. He never looked under pressure!
This allowed Howson to get forward in quite a free role. However Wolf still didnt get much service and I think his toe is still a problem. He took off his left boot before he left the field at HT and when subbed.
Ruddy was largely untested but caught every corner and cross. Solid.

Conclusion; Stoke were surprisingly poor and our defence didnt have to work too hard today. Our midfield were immense.
IMHO Leroy Fer is the most complete central midfielder we've had for over 20 years. In fact I'm struggling to think of better. Andy Townshend, Goss at his best, Phelan maybe???

Posted By: col canary, Sep 29, 18:04:25