2010–11 Stoke City F.C. season

For the season opener at Wolves, Stoke gave new record signing Kenwyne Jones his debut as the club made a bright start, with Jones hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot. Wolves thought they had scored moments later when David Jones put the ball in the net but referee Lee Probert disallowed the goal for a foul on Thomas Sørensen. Stoke then suffered a major setback when Kenwyne Jones fell awkwardly from a challenge from Jody Craddock forcing him to be replaced by Mamady Sidibé. This seemed to have a negative effect on Stoke as Wolves began to take control of the game and took the lead through a unique David Jones free kick. Wanderers scored a second just moments later with new signing Steven Fletcher scoring a close range header. In the second half Pulis decided to bring off Sidibé and replace him with Tuncay in an attempt to get back into the game. Stoke pulled one back with a powerful header from Abdoulaye Faye, giving themselves some hope. The second goal, however, never came, and Wolves beat Stoke for the first time since 2006.[4]

Stoke gave new signing from Ipswich Jonathan Walters his debut for the first home match of the season against Tottenham. But it was the away side who started the match the strongest and took the lead through Gareth Bale after a goalmouth scramble. City responded quickly and drew level thanks to Ricardo Fuller taking advantage of some static Spurs defending. Stoke were not level for long as Bale scored his second with an unstoppable volley into the top corner of the net. It could have got worse for Stoke as they again failed to contain Bale but his shot was cleared of the line. In the second half Stoke took the game to Spurs and should have scored through Tuncay. Stoke did have the ball across the line in the final few minutes when Walters headed in but referee Chris Foy missed the goal. It got worse for Stoke after it was revealed that Sidibé had snapped an Achilles tendon meaning he missed the rest of the season.[5]

Stoke went into the next match against Chelsea looking to avoid a repeat of the previous season's 7–0 drubbing, and with Chelsea already with two 6–0 wins it looked like it would be a long afternoon for Stoke. Jones recovered from his ankle injury and started up front with Walters and it was City who had the first chance of the match with Walters almost lobbing Petr Čech early on. On ten minutes a clumsy challenge by Shawcross on Florent Malouda gave Lampard the chance to open the scoring but his penalty was poor and easily saved by Sørensen. Chelsea took the lead through Malouda just before half time. Stoke tried to get back into the match with substitute Whelan hitting the crossbar in the second half. However Stoke's chances of pulling level were ended when Sørensen tripped Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba sealed a 2–0 win for the "Blues". The defeat meant that Stoke had lost three games in a row, their worst start to a league campaign since the 1986–87 season.[6]

Following the two-week international break Stoke faced Aston Villa on a Monday night still looking for their first points of the season. Prior to kick-off it was revealed that manager Tony Pulis would not be attending the match due to the death of his mother, meaning assistant David Kemp took over. Villa's new manager Gérard Houllier was also not present. City gave a debut to new signing Marc Wilson and Kenwyne Jones played in his first home match. Stoke made a bright start and had several opportunities to take the lead through Jones. However, it was Villa who took the lead against the run of play through Stewart Downing on 35 minutes. Villa then began to dominate and should have scored through Ashley Young but his header fell just wide. After half time manager Tony Pulis returned to the dugouts and he received a standing ovation from the home crowd. Stoke brought on Fuller and new boy Jermaine Pennant in an attempt to get back into the game. The equaliser came on 80 minutes through a trademark header from Jones. It seemed that a draw was to be the final outcome but in the 93rd minute Villa failed to clear a cross from Pennant and Etherington's shot deflected in off Robert Huth to give Stoke the three points.[7]

West Ham United next made the journey to the Potteries still searching for their first points of the season. They were also without manager Avram Grant who was observing the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. Stoke gave Jermaine Pennant his first start and it was he who produced the first chance of the match, Huth hitting the post after Robert Green spilled his free kick. Stoke were poor in the first half and it came as no surprise when Scott Parker took advantage to make it 1–0 to the visitors. The "Hammers" could have gone further in front moments later but Frédéric Piquionne's long range shot hit the crossbar. City greatly improved in the second half and equalised through Jones following good work by Walters and Pennant. Stoke pressed for the winning goal and hit the crossbar twice as West Ham held out for a 1–1 draw.[8]

After the win in the League Cup against Fulham Stoke made the long trip north to face Newcastle United at a strange 4.10pm kick off on a Sunday. Stoke gave a surprise start to Salif Diao while Faye and Delap dropped to the bench, these changes seemed to disjoint Stoke as they put in an abject first half performance. Newcastle were awarded a penalty just before half time after Huth fouled Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan scored to put the "Magpies" in the lead. Stoke improved in the second half and twice hit the woodwork through Jones. Fuller and Delap came on in a bid to pull level but Fuller had to come off moments later with a suspected dislocated shoulder. Jones did find the net on 67 minutes after good work by Etherington and Huth. Eiður Guðjohnsen came on in an attempt to win the match and with 5 minutes remaining Newcastle defender James Perch headed past his own keeper Tim Krul to give Stoke a 2–1 victory. It was the first time since 1976 Stoke had won at St James' Park ironically Stoke's winner that day also came from a Newcastle own goal.[9]

For the first time since the Tottenham match, Stoke finally had a traditional 3:00 pm kick off at home for the visit of Blackburn Rovers. Pennant recovered from his injury and started on the right of midfield while Fuller's injury was not as bad as first feared and he was able to start on the bench. Stoke took the game to Rovers early on and had a number of half chances through Jones and Walters. Australian Brett Emerton came closest for the visitors in the first half but his header was cleared off the line by an alert Ryan Shawcross. Stoke scored the only goal of the match in the 48th minute when Jon Walters coolly beat Paul Robinson one-on-one after being but through by Etherington.[10]

Almost 5,000 Stoke fans made the trip to Bolton after a two-week break. City were the better side in the first 20 minutes, but Bolton took the lead through Lee Chung-yong. Stoke then had a penalty turned down by Peter Walton after Zat Knight handled in the area. Pennant had a free-kick which hit the crossbar as Wanderers went into the break in the lead. Stoke, however, were level soon after as Rory Delap scored a rare goal, tapping in from close range. Pulis brought on Fuller to press for the second goal but had to leave moments later after dislocating his shoulder again. It was Bolton who won the match through Ivan Klasnić as he scored in the 92nd minute via a Steinsson long throw; it was the third match in a row between the two sides Bolton have scored decisive late goals. Klasnić ended his eventful substitute appearance by managing to pick up two yellow cards in two minutes.[11]

There was intense media interest at the next home game against Manchester United due to the Wayne Rooney saga. Man United took the lead after half an hour through a 'backwards header' by Mexican Javier Hernández. Both sides had chances to score the second goal before half time but the visitors went in to the break in front. There was a controversial end to the half when Gary Neville, who had already been booked for one foul on Etherington, brought the winger down again in full flight, referee Andre Marriner didn't decide to show him a second yellow. The Potters were showing plenty of endeavour, but were struggling to create any clearcut chances as they attempted to get back on level terms. But with ten minutes remaining, they equalised in stunning fashion as they scored their first goal in five meetings with Manchester United. Wilson threaded an accurate ball out to the right hand side where Tuncay advanced forward, cut inside onto his left foot and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner. Stoke, however, could not hold on and Hernández gave the visitors the points.[12]

Stoke had not won at Everton since 1981, with that run continuing with a 1–0 defeat. After an uneventful first half, the second half proved to be a better spectacle. Begović made his first start of the season and Stoke thought they should have gone into the lead through Tuncay. The Turkish international thought he had put the Potters ahead midway through the second half after capitalising on a defensive mistake from Toffees defender Leighton Baines, however his strike was harshly chalked off for an apparent foul on Baines. Despite that, chances continued to come for both sides in what was an exciting second 45 minutes, but it was the hosts who stole all three points thanks to Yakubu, who rifled home from eight-yards after a defensive mistake from Abdoulaye Faye.[13]

Stoke then travelled to Sunderland and again came out on the wrong end of a poor refereeing decision. In the first 45 minutes Stoke were awful and the Black Cats took full advantage with a soft goal scored by £13 million striker Asamoah Gyan. The home side were then awarded a penalty, but Begović managed to keep out Steed Malbranque's effort. In the second half, Stoke were better and thought they scored when Jones headed the ball past Simon Mignolet, but Lee Cattermole stopped the ball with his hand; referee Martin Atkinson did not award either the goal or a penalty. It got even worse for Stoke as Shawcross was sent off for two bookable offences and Gyan scored a deflected goal to give Steve Bruce's team a 2–0 win.[14]

Following five-straight defeats for Stoke, victory against Birmingham City was vital, but history was not on Stoke's side as they have failed to even score past Birmingham for 13 years. With captain Shawcross suspended, Huth was given the armband and Higginbotham made only his second start of the season, while up front Ricardo Fuller also started following his injury problems. For the opening ten minutes, it was the Blues who were the more lively but after that spell, Stoke began to dominate the match. Former Stoke trainee Ben Foster kept Birmingham in the match with a number of fine saves but he was finally beaten just before half time through Huth. Stoke continued to press forward in the second half and again went close through the impressive German. Stoke made it 2–0 in the 71st minute through a trademark solo goal by Fuller. The Jamaican ran from his own half to the visitors penalty area before cutting in and curling a shot past Foster. Birmingham, however, rallied and score twice through Keith Fahey and Cameron Jerome. But Stoke were not to be denied, and with five minutes to play Dean Whitehead scored the winning goal.[15]

Four days later, City took on an improving Liverpool at the Britannia. Stoke however were to quickly take control of the match and only some fine save's from Pepe Reina kept the scores level. Stoke finally went in front just after half time after a Delap long throw caused chaos in the Liverpool defence and Fuller scored his second goal of the week. The Merseyside club were poor throughout and their best effort came from Maxi Rodríguez when his shot was saved by Begović who sat on the ball. Stoke sealed their first league win over Liverpool since 1984 when Pennant put Jones through one on one with Reina and made no mistake. Liverpool's misery was compounded when Lucas Leiva was sent off for two bookable offences.[16]

Stoke then travelled to West Brom looking to keep their impressive run of 1 defeat in 24 matches against the Baggies going. After a dour first half Stoke were awarded a penalty early in the second half when Scott Carson came off his line and fouled Jones, Matthew Etherington made no mistake from the spot to score his first of the season. West Brom came back at Stoke through and went close through Somen Tchoyi before Stoke were given a second penalty when Simon Cox took down Whitehead and substitute Walters sent Carson the wrong way. Stoke gave the scoreline an impressive look when Walters scored his second goal to make it 3–0 to the Potters.[17] The result also gave Stoke two new records: the largest away win in the Premier League and the largest top division away win since 1982, as well as the first time since the 1983–84 season Stoke have won three top-flight matches in a row.[18] Manager Pulis hailed the new records as "A Fantastic Achievement".[19]

Roberto Mancini's Manchester City arrived at Stoke on the back of a 4–1 win away at Fulham and were looking for three points to boost their ambitious title challenge. City dominated the first half though and only some fine goalkeeping from Joe Hart and missed chances from Jones and Fuller kept the scores level. Manchester City were much improved in the second period, with the impressive David Silva causing Stoke's defence problems. The visitors took the lead after 82 minutes when Micah Richards turned Collins and powered in a low shot. Stoke earned a point in the final minute via Etherington, a long kick from Begović was headed on by Jones to Tuncay who back heeled the ball to the winger who made no mistake.[20]

Stoke then travelled to the DW Stadium to take on an injury-hit Wigan in what turned out to be an entertaining affair. Stoke took the lead in the 18th minute via a deflected Huth free kick, only for Danny Collins to slice the ball into his own net ten minutes later. From the Wigan kick-off, however, Stoke reclaimed possession and a fast-flowing move ended with Etherington's third goal is as many games. Wigan then pulled level again just before half-time through a deflected Tom Cleverley strike to end an eventful first half. It was a much quieter contest in the second half, with both sides missing good chances; the match finished in a fair 2–2 draw.[21]

Stanley Matthews was remembered before the first top flight meeting between Stoke and Blackpool since 1972 in what turned out to be a very frustrating match for Stoke. The first half had a number of chances with Fuller and Jones going close while DJ Campbell threatened for the Seasiders. And it was Campbell who scored the only goal of the match just after half time to condemn Stoke to another December defeat. It was Blackpool's first top flight win in the Potteries since 1963.[22]

With the match against Arsenal postponed due to heavy snow, Stoke's next game came against Blackburn on boxing day. It was the first game for new Rovers manager Steve Kean following the surprise sacking of Sam Allardyce. The first half was a quiet affair, with Etherington having the best chance of the half. In the second half, Stoke took control of the match and went in front through Huth. Stoke continued to create chances, with Whitehead and Jones both being denied by Robinson. Rovers were poor and their best chance fell to youngster Grant Hanley. Stoke sealed the win deep into stoppage time after some good link up play with Fuller and Walters set up Marc Wilson to score his first goal for the club.[23]

Struggling Fulham were Stoke's next opponents two days later. Fulham defender Chris Baird opened the scoring after just four minutes when his shot took a wicked deflection off the post. He scored again on ten minutes when his low free-kick deceived Begović and the Stoke defence. Stoke were poor and Fulham were easily able to hold on to their two-goal advantage.[24]

The first match of 2011 saw Stoke take on Everton at the Britannia Stadium. With Huth suspended after picking up five yellow cards, Higginbotham returned to the starting lineup, as did Ricardo Fuller. The opening goal came after 20 minutes after a long ball forward by Shawcross was headed by Jones into the path of Etherington, who beat two Everton defenders to cross the ball in for Jones to head in Stoke's first goal of 2011. Following this, the visitors tried in vain to level going close through Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar. In the second half, Stoke were put under more pressure, but in the 70th minute Phil Jagielka, under pressure from Fuller, sliced the ball into his own net to give Stoke a 2–0 win. It was the club's first win over the Toffees since 1982.[25]

The first away match of the year was at the league leaders Manchester United. The home side took the lead through Javier Hernández midway through the first half, but Stoke equalised through Whitehead after good play by Tuncay after 50 minutes; it was Stoke's first League goal at Old Trafford since 1980. Nani, however, scored the winner for United. Despite the defeat, manager Pulis stated that his players deserve a lot of credit for their performance.[26][27]

Bolton arrived at the Britannia Stadium with four-straight away defeats. Stoke were the better side and dominated the play in windy conditions and Wanderers 'keeper Jussi Jääskeläinen pulled off a fine save to deny Jones. The first goal came after 37 minutes when a Tuncay corner was scrambled over the line by Danny Higginbotham. Bolton started the second half the better side with Stuart Holden testing Begović with a free-kick. Stoke made it 2–0 moments later after Etherington was put through one-on-one by Tuncay, only for Zat Knight to mistime his tackle and concede a penalty. Etherington took the spot and the ball went in despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it. Owen Coyle responded by bringing on two wingers, Martin Petrov and Rodrigo, but his side were unable to get back into the match.[28]

Stoke travelled to London to take on Fulham, with the two sides only having played each other four weeks ago. Stoke produced another very poor performance against the Cottagers, with Clint Dempsey scoring twice and Ryan Shawcross issued a red card. New loan signing John Carew made his Stoke debut in the second half.[29]

Stoke played for the fourth away match in succession at big spending Liverpool in what was the club's 100th Premier League match. Pulis made a number of changes giving rests to key players such as Etherington and Jones while Salif Diao made a surprise start at his old club. In the first half both sides struggled to create many goal scoring chances until the end of the half when Begović was called into making a fine save from Johnson. Liverpool took the lead just after half time when a Gerrard free-kick was deflected into the path of Raul Meireles who put the ball past Begović. Stoke tried to get back into the match, but it was Liverpool's new £22.8 million signing Luis Suárez who sealed the win, despite the best efforts of Andy Wilkinson.[30]

Sunderland were Stoke's next opponents at the Britannia Stadium for an early kick-off. Stoke made an awful start to the match as Kieran Richardson put the Black Cats into the lead after just two minutes. Stoke responded half an hour later as Carew scored his first goal for the club after Craig Gordon miss timed his punch from a Delap throw. Sunderland were back in front just after half time after a long ball was not dealt with by the City defence and Gyan put the ball in the net. Stoke pressed for the equaliser as Sunderland defended stubbornly. With seven minutes remaining a free-kick from Pennant found Huth who poked the ball past Gordon and in the final minute of the game another Pennant set piece was converted by Huth to give Stoke a 3–2 victory.[31]

Stoke then had another away game this time at League Cup finalists Birmingham City at St Andrews. It was a poor match which seemed destined for a 0–0 draw however Birmingham stole the points with the final kick of the match through Nikola Žigić.[32]

After beating Brighton in the FA Cup Stoke travelled to London to face Arsenal in a re-arranged fixture. Stoke made a poor start to the match as the home side almost scored after two minutes as Theo Walcott hit the post. Arsenal did take the lead soon after through defender Sébastien Squillaci, as expected Arsenal controlled the play however Stoke defended well and restricted the Gunners from extending their lead. City were more of a threat in the second half with Pennant, Carew and Huth going close to an equaliser as Stoke were left to rue their slow start to the match.[33]

The match against West Brom was moved to Monday night for live TV coverage, it turned out to be a very disappointing contest. There was little action in the first half with Pennant hitting the crossbar from a freekick the only meaningful attempt on goal. Stoke took the lead through a rare goal from Rory Delap, Baggies substitute Carlos Vela equalised late on. A point was no less than West Brom deserved but they could have had all three had it not been for a fine performance from Begović who saved four shots in the final thirty seconds of the match. Pulis described his team's performance as the worst of the season.[34]

Stoke produced another abject away performance at West Ham and goals from Demba Ba, Manuel da Costa and Thomas Hitzlsperger ensured an easy win for the Hammers. The defeat left Stoke four points above the relegation zone.[35]

After victory in the FA Cup Quarter against West Ham there was great excitement amongst supporters for the important game against Newcastle. Cup hero Danny Higginbotham returned to the starting eleven at the expense of Danny Pugh whilst John Carew was ruled out due to injury. Stoke took the lead just before the half-hour mark Ryan Shawcross laid the ball to Pennant on the right and his cross was glanced in by Jonathan Walters. Newcastle came back strongly and twice came close to equalising and were twice denied by Higginbotham. However Stoke quickly ended the match as a contest after the half time break with two quick goals. The first came after a Steve Harper failed to clear under pressure from Kenwyne Jones and he picked out Matthew Etherington on the left, whose delivery was guided into the net Pennant from about six yards out who scored his first City goal. Newcastle were rattled and they succumbed to a third goal when Higginbotham arrowed in a thunderous free-kick from 20 yards, with Harper rooted to his spot. Shane Ferguson came close to giving the visitors a goal before Ricardo Fuller made it 4–0 in the final minute. It was the first time Stoke had scored four goals in a Premier League match.[36]

Stoke then took on in-form Chelsea for the third home match in a row and made a perfect start. Jonathan Walters took advantage of a hesitant David Luiz to run down the left flank before cutting in past the retreating Michael Essien to send the ball past Petr Čech. Chelsea came back strongly and dominated the match until Didier Drogba equalised through a well placed header. The second half was an entertaining affair with both sides creating chances and playing attacking football. Stoke hit the crossbar through Wilson and Huth whilst Drogba also hit the woodwork twice. Stoke could have won in the final minute when Fuller headed the ball past the impressive Čech but narrowly went wide of the far post. The result was the first point Stoke have claimed off the "Blues" in the Premier League and also ended the Potters' losing streak against the Londoners.[37] After the match it was revealed that Danny Higginbotham has a cruciate knee ligament injury and will miss the rest of the season.[38]

City travelled to White Hart Lane in what was another highly entertaining match despite Stoke's travel problems continuing. After Spurs's heavy UEFA Champions League defeat by Real Madrid they started the match at a high tempo and opened the scoring through Peter Crouch and extended their lead through Luka Modrić. Stoke pulled one back through Etherington, the winger sprinted down the left flank running past two Tottenham defenders before sliding the ball past Gomes. Crouch restored Tottenham's two goal advantage before Kenwyne Jones ended his 13-game goal drought with a thunderous 30-yard strike to make the scoreline 3–2 at half time. In the second period Stoke should have levelled but Walters with an open goal hit his shot against the post and Spurs were able to hang on for the three points.[39]

After the epic 5–0 win over Bolton in the FA Cup Semi-final Stoke returned to league football at Villa Park. Like the match between the two sides earlier in the season Villa were without manager Gérard Houllier who had fallen ill and was admitted to hospital. After a slow start to the match Stoke had a spell of sustained pressure in which Brad Friedel made a number of fine saves before City took the lead through a Jones header from a Delap long throw. Villa levelled just before half time when Kyle Walker crossed in for Darren Bent. The second half was a non-event although Stoke did have the ball in the net twice but both were offside. City had to finish the game with ten men after Fuller was stretchered off after falling awkwardly on his ankle.[40]

Three days later Stoke and Wolves met in the re-arranged Staffordshire derby at the Britannia Stadium. City started the match in the more positive way and went in front when Pennant crossed in for Jones to score his fourth goal in four games. Stoke then suffered another injury as Etherington was stretchered off with a hamstring problem. Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a number of fine saves before Ryan Shawcross scored in first half injury time. Stoke sealed the win five minutes after half time when man of the match Jermaine Pennant's shot took a deflection off Jody Craddock to make it 3–0 to the Potters.[41]

The match against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road was played in windy conditions which made it difficult for both teams to gain an advantage. Stoke had the best chance of the first half when Jones rounded the Blackpool keeper Gilks and had an empty net to aim for but somehow managed to curl his shot beyond the post. City had more chances in the second half with Glenn Whelan the most likely to score whilst Ryan Shotton made his league debut for Stoke. Despite both teams efforts it ended 0–0, Stoke's first scoreless match of the season.[42]

The last match before the FA Cup Final saw Stoke take on Arsenal in what was billed by the media as a grudge match. The Gunners knowing they had to win to keep their fading title hopes alive started well with Robin van Persie going closest. Stoke gradually got into the game and took the lead on the 27th minute when Jermaine Pennant's freekick was run into the net by an unmarked Jones. Five minutes before half-time, Stoke scored again after a mistake by Aaron Ramsey as he gave the ball to Pennant who ran at the Arsenal defence and his shot took a deflection off Johan Djourou and looped over Wojciech Szczęsny. Stoke could have added a third but Walters hit the crossbar from a tight angle. Robert Huth was forced to leave the pitch with a knee injury and Abdoulaye Faye came on to make his first appearance since February. With ten minutes left, Van Persie pulled one back but from the restart, Stoke's Walters scored to seal a 3–1 win.[43]

Following the FA Cup Final defeat by Manchester City, Stoke had the opportunity to gain some revenge three days later. Pulis made five changes and gave a number of fringe player's some game time. Any hope Stoke of gaining something from the match were ended by two moments of class by Carlos Tevez and a header from Joleon Lescott.[44]

Stoke ended a successful season with a disappointing 1–0 defeat at home to Wigan. Hugo Rodallega scored the only goal of the match in the second half to keep Wigan in the Premier League. Stoke finished the season in 13th place due to the loss; had they won, they would have finished in ninth position.[45]