Why are Stoke in the Relegation Zone?
For a team that was predicted to be the dark horse of the Premier League and to challenge for Europe this season, two points from five games really isn’t an acceptable return for the Potters. This new ‘dream attack’ with ‘plenty of flair’ has been less than impressive, netting just three times so far, whilst the defense looks to be completely helpless without Ryan Shawcross leading the line.
In fact, Stoke are lucky they aren’t bottom of the league and it is thanks to Jack Butland that Mark Hughes’ side have managed to stay in with a shout during every game so far.
Attack
Since the departure of Tony Pulis as manager, Mark Hughes has completely changed the Stoke style of play from long ball tactics to a more aesthetic and attractive approach. Such is the improvement that supporters like to refer to the club as “Stokealona”, also a reference to the influx of Barcelona players at the Britannia Stadium over the last couple of years.
Signings such as Bojan, Afellay and Shaqiri etc. are fantastic coups for the club and it clearly indicates the Stoke’s ambition to push for Europe, but has this new attack actually worked?
Mame Diouf has been an instant hit, earning the club’s top scorer award last season, but all the other names Hughes has brought in simply haven’t been good enough and more is expected from them.
Defence
It’s evident that the absence of Ryan Shawcross, who is recovering from surgery on a back injury, has really damaged Stoke’s defence. Pulis always prioritised defence as Stoke aimed to establish their Premier League status in their early seasons since promotion, partnering Huth and Shawcross. whom ultimately became one of the hardest centre-half pairings to break down in the league.
However, ever since the departure of Robert Huth, Stoke haven’t brought in an adequate replacement. Philipp Wolscheidd, who signed a permanent deal with he club following a loan spell in the second half of last season, has been far from convincing. And now that Shawcross is injured and N’Zonzi is gone, the Potters’ defence looks extremely fragile.
But, despite their evident weaknesses in that area, there is at least one positive. And that is the emergence of goalkeeper Jack Butland, who is gradually becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Some people are even saying he can compete for Joe Hart’s spot on the team. The bottom line is that Stoke need Shawcross to return quickly and they need to sign a solid defensive partner for him rather than investing in too many attacking options.