As Mark Robins emphasised post-game: “It’s one game. It’s one game. It’s one game.”
Football is a game of emotion and it’s only natural that the serotonin hit of Divin Mubama’s 96th-minute header has fuelled a sense of optimism not seen since last year’s opening day victory over Coventry, or the tonking of Rotherham the season before.
The point of the ‘eye test’ blog will be an attempt to balance the wild mood swings of both victory and defeat with notes of caution and reasons to be cheerful. It’s what I saw with my eyes, you have different eyes.
Wingmen take flight
It was noticeable in the first half that the wide players were our main route towards goal, with Manhoef being trusted to take the ball and cut inside as has become his trademark since joining the club. The dutchman was arguably our biggest threat first half and Wilmot seemed to know where he was at all times. With the game at 1-1 though, it was he who made way for Jamie Donley, Sorba Thomas occupying the right hand side with Junho moving wide. I was suprised – though evidently not as surprised as Million – to see him hooked. Obviously, with the three points Robins will feel vindication for that. Manhoef (like many in red and white) seemed to have faded second half as The Rams gave him less room to do his special move. Also, Manhoef’s evident frustration does not constitute a referendum on his future at the club, get a grip folks.
Sorba Thomas. Hmmm. Is this where I pick fault with a man who has a goal and assist on debut? You bet it is. Sorba looks ace. He has an energy and pure attacking mindset that will endear him to the fans. I feel however, the assist (a five yard pass to a wide open Lewis Baker on the edge of the area) and goal (gift-wrapped to him by an alert Donley) perhaps cover up what was quite often a frustrating performance. Does this mean he played badly? No. But he was not on Tchamadeu’s wavelength down the right and there were opportunities squandered with either via bad touch or overhit pass. He’ll be fine, but far from my Man of the Match.
Junho what to do
There’s a player every season who seems to get a disproportionate amount of flak. For large parts of last season it was Junho, who played 45 games across the season with 4 different men in the dugout. He can’t complain about lack of opportunity but there’s something to be said for a rest being as good as a change. First half: lovely. Linked play nicely, was always alert and available. Second half: the frustrating, ‘lightweight’ and at times erratic Junho his detractors make him out to be. This was encaspulated by an attempted 180 degree turn while still in his own third. My call would have been a straight swap for Donley much earlier, but once again Robins will be the one vindicated.
Stuck in the middle
The big gamechanger was Tatsuki Seko, with his most important contribution in a Stoke shirt to date. As well as his matchwinning assist, Seko added poise on the ball as well as energy off it. As full-hearted as both Pearson and Baker are, I hope this isn’t a central midfield pairing for a 46-game season. Pearson was largely ineffective against Derby’s long-ball game which meant he was mostly chasing shadows or getting stuck in with a Rams team who’ll have had instructions to bait him. I will sympathise with Pearson in that his ‘loyal soldier’ nature limits him – Seko had apparently broken out of the manager’s system to deliver that 96th minute cross. Likewise Baker, Mr. Moments himself, struggled outside of that delicious edge-of-the-area equaliser. When he does that though, we simply play the ‘THIS IS WHAT HE DOES’ meme and applaud. With N’Zonzi paraded before kick-off and another rumoured midfielder potentially arriving – maybe it’s Seko who’s actually the new signing?
Divin Intervention
Don’t fall in love with a loan player, don’t fall in love with a loan player, don’t….ah too late. A dream debut for Divin who must have felt his opportunity slipping away as Stoke faded in the second half. But a well-connected header, right in the corner, right on time means he got the goal he deserved. Full of running and heart, geeing up the crowd from the fourth minute, Divin’s enthusiasm for the mere fact of being on the pitch was wonderful to see. His shout of: ‘account opened, baby’ down the Stoke cameras at full time, shows he’s not just here for the crowd’s affection, but to score goals.
So a fabulous start. As has been remarked upon, those are the ‘kind of games’ we’ve lost before. My question would be why, despite all the possession and positive play, clear cut chances were few and far between? The late double may have ‘stat-padded’ the xG somewhat as Eustace’s men did a good job of frustrating us, until they didn’t.
Onwards and upwards.
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