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Tag: Stoke City

  • Ajayi, Etebo shine as West Brom, Stoke City seal victories

     

    Super Eagles duo of Semi Ajayi and Oghenekaro Etebo were not on target on Saturday, but the two Nigerians who were in 90 minutes action for their English Championship sides, West Brom and Stoke City, contributed in no small measure as the clubs won in style.

    While Ajayi’s West Brom went on a goal rampage flooring Cardiff 4-2, Etebo’s Stoke ran away with a 2-1   victory over Swansea City playing away notwithstanding.

    But for Danny Ward who grabbed consolation  brace for visiting  Cardiff, West Brom were on the verge of stepping off the pitch with four goals and three points in the kitty.

    Although  Stoke got baptism of fire conceding in the first minute of the match thanks to Ghana international André Ayew,  Etebo and  his teammates rather than getting demoralised by the early goal, saw it as a challenge battling their hosts all the way.

    Stoke City ace Oghenakaro Etebo

    The fight to the finish approached paid off in the 22nd and 90th minutes respectively as Sam Clucas and Scott Hogan found the net.

    West Brom will next take on Middleborough while Stock Welcome Fulham. Interestingly Ajayi and Etebo will be missing those matches billed for next Saturday, having been named in super Eagles squad to face Samba Boys of Brazil in faraway Singapore on October 13.

  • Etebo joins Stoke City this week

    Super Eagles’ Midfielder Etebo Oghenekaro is expected to team up with his English Championship club side Stoke City after a long break.

    The former Warri Wolves’ midfielder played every minute for the Eagles as the Nigerian National Team won bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. He was given an extended break by Stoke City to enable him to recover on time for the new season.

    Read Also: OGHENEKARO ETEBO: Life in Championship with Stoke is tough

    Stoke lost their first game of the season against QPR and would be eager to have their last season’s best player available for the next.

  • OGHENEKARO ETEBO: Why I opted for Stoke City

    World Cup revelation Oghenekaro Etebo speaks about his experience at the Mundial, and surprise move to relegated Stoke City with Taiwo Alimi.

    Russia World Cup revelation Oghenekaro Peter Etebo has described his debut Mundial as a story of conquest and vanquish.

    “Russia 2018 was a mixed blessing for me and many of us (Nigerian players) will feel the same way,” 22-year-old Stoke of England new sign-on started.

    He continued: “We made our mark, even as we failed to progress to the knockout stage. We scored one of the best goals of the tournament through Musa Ahmed and played a vibrant attacking brand of football, even though we paraded the youngest squad at the tournament.”

    He noted that being grouped in the ‘group of death’ at the Mundial did not stop them from exhibiting their game. “We (Super Eagles) rose to the occasion in spite of the fact that we were the least ranked team in FIFA world ranking, yet we beat Iceland and held our own against world No 5, Argentina.”

    He added that it took a while for the team to come out the pains of World Cup ouster in the hands of Lionel Messi and gang. “We were determined to win that match or at worse get a draw. We were all downcast at the end of the match because we could have moved to the next stage. You should see us in the changing room. We could not say anything until the coach told us to be cheerful because we impressed him and our fans. Now we can look forward to the challenges ahead.”

    Looking forward, Etebo is of the opinion that the current crop of Super Eagles will go places. “The World Cup experience is an important one and we have all leant from it. It is one experience that you cannot gain anywhere else and it would help me to hold my own anywhere I find myself.”

    Etebo set a tournament record of the most dribbles completed in a game in 2018 FIFA World Cup group D encounter between Nigeria and Croatia, according to the stats compiled by Opta.

    Even though the Super Eagles lost the game 2-0 to Croatia, Etebo set a record as he completed nine dribbles from nine attempts in the encounter.

    The record, before it was broken by Belgium inspirational captain, Hazard, tallied with that of Brazilian star Neymar Jr and Isco of Spain. The PSG star player also completed nine dribbles against Serbia, same for Isco in their round of exit to Russia.

    The midfielder was also voted among the best XI players after the first round of games alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa.

    Speaking on the individual honours, the former Warri Wolves playmaker modestly replied that it was a win for the team and not him alone. “Given the opportunity to represent my country and to express myself, they (honours) are for the whole members of the team and not about myself alone. I am highly honoured to get the FIFA mention. We all played as a team and with our heart. It was a good World Cup for us, though we could have done better.”

    He speaks further on growing and other sundry issues. Excerpts:

    FAMILY SUPPORT

    I got the right support from my family. They didn’t stop me at anytime not to play football even when I was in my school days. Things began falling in the right path when I signed my first professional contract with Warri Wolves. Though, I have played for some grassroots teams in local competitions such as Oba Cup and the State FA Cup. Actually I was noticed by Warri Wolves while playing for Lord Honour FC and they asked me to sign for them. You would understand my joy because that is the biggest club in Warri and it is the dream of many youngsters to play for them.

    That move paid off for me as scouts for the national team noticed me especially after scoring a couple of goals and making my presence felt in the midfield. I got some awards too, like the Glo Wondergoal award for the best goal of the 2014-2015 NPFL season and other local awards for playing well in the team. This was closely followed up by the Golden Boot in Africa Cup of Nations (U-23), and Most Promising Talent of the Year award at the CAF Awards.

    Aside from the passion I have for the game, I also have the support of my family and of course God, who is my biggest motivator.

    A BELEIVER

    I am a believer and I must give credit for my growing achievements to the grace of God. All the moments through my football career have been special. I’m still hoping to get the best and even though I’m happy now, with my moments, I’m still counting on the bigger ones ahead.

    If I was told that I would make such great impact at the World Cup, I would doubt that person, but when Coach (Gernot) Rohr told me that I would play in the first game I told myself that I must put in my all. With the load of talents we have in the team, it is inspiring to even get a look in.

    I’ve always believed in myself. What you tell yourself will only lift you up or bring you down so I’ve always believed in myself and that is why wherever I am playing, you will always see my game.

    WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE

    The Argentina match was one of the toughest games of my career. The result didn’t go our way, however. I am truly honoured and blessed to have this experience. To represent my country at a World Cup competing with the best players in the world at my age was a dream come true.

    Before that game when we defeated Iceland it gave us the right mentality that we could go all the way. That we could beat Argentina, but things did not quite work that way. However, we are happy about the victory.  It is important that we give our fans something for keeping faith in us and supporting us. That win was for the whole of Nigeria! It is our way of saying thank you to all the supporters for keeping the faith, and continuing to believe in us. The World Cup is very important, not only for me as a player, but for all Nigerians. I have said before that we should not just go there to mess ourselves up. I am happy that we did not mess up and there are moments that our fans can look back to and smile.

    STOKE MOVE

    I feel great. I am finally here and I really appreciate the support and the welcome that everybody has given to me. Everybody needs a break after a tournament like the World Cup, but my mind has been here. I knew that I was coming to Stoke City and I was excited about it.

    I spoke to a lot of friends about the move and the tradition of this club appealed to me – everybody knows that this is a big club, even though we suffered relegation last season.

    It is important for us to do well this season, to make sure that everything goes well in the future. But I know how difficult a challenge this will be.

    I had a lot of options this summer from the Premier League, but I signed this deal before I went to the World Cup, and I am happy with that. I did that because of the relationship and the conversations I had. I was happy with what was said – if I wasn’t then I wouldn’t have come to Stoke City.

    I believe that we are going to make this a great season. I am going to give my best and hopefully that will be enough for the club.

  • Struggling Stoke turn to Lambert for survival

    Struggling Stoke turn to Lambert for survival

     

    Stoke City have appointed Paul Lambert as their new manager on a two-and-half-year deal.

    Lambert replaces Mark Hughes, the Welshman having been sacked following a run of eight defeats in their last 11 games in all competitions, the final straw a humiliating loss to League Two Coventry City in the FA Cup third round.

    Stoke visit Manchester United on Monday, with Lambert set to take a watching brief from the stands before taking charge for a potentially crucial home fixture with Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

    The Potters travel to Old Trafford third bottom in the Premier League and a point adrift of safety.

    And the club’s board have decided that Lambert, who guided Norwich City from League One to the top flight before disappointing spells at Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Wolves, is the man to preserve their status in the division.

    Club chairman Peter Coates told Stoke’s official website: “Paul greatly impressed us with his knowledge of our squad and had a clear plan of how he would improve our results.

    “He’s a man who backed himself as a player, none more so than when he turned down contract offers in Scotland to go on trial in the German Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and it’s obvious he adopts the same approach as a manager.”

    Joint-chief executive John Coates added: “Paul has been successful in management at clubs with a strong and stable background and with local ownership – the kind of foundation we are able to give to our managers.

    “We were determined to appoint someone with Premier League experience or an extensive knowledge of English football. We look forward to working with Paul and supporting him to help achieve our goals.”

    Stoke are 18th on the log with 20 points in 22 games, a standing that is giving club owners and fans alike goose pimples.

     

     

     

     

  • No retirement plans for Peter Crouch

    No retirement plans for Peter Crouch

     

    Stoke City striker Peter Crouch says he has no plans to retire in the near future and hopes to renew his contract with the club.

    The England international has been limited to substitute appearances at Stoke this season, but has found the net three times in 153 minutes in the Premier League.

    Crouch is out of contract at the end of the season and, at 36, he has faced questions over how long he has left in the game.

    But the forward feels he can keep going in the English top flight for a few more years and hopes to be back in the starting XI at Stoke.

    “When you do see the end and get past a certain age it’s a little bit scary and the minutes you get are more precious than they were 10 years ago,” he told Sky Sports .

    “I appreciate them more than I did when I was 25. I want to stay in this game as long as I can.

    “I don’t think my attributes have changed and I haven’t had many injuries, so if I can maintain that I can go on for a few years yet. I want to play at this level as long as I can.

    “I love coming in every day training and playing the games. It’s exciting, it’s what I want to be doing.”

    Crouch believes he does not have to find a new club in order to secure a starting spot and would rather extend his deal with the bet365 Stadium side.

    “I would like to get things sorted. I love it here and I don’t see any real reason to move,” he added

    “If I was getting no minutes it would be difficult but I am playing games and knocking on the door to start games. I am happy here so I would probably like to stay. If things aren’t sorted out before January I would have to look at options, but I am happy here and hope the club feel the same.

  • EPL: Some of The Things You Might Have Missed

    EPL: Some of The Things You Might Have Missed

    English Premier League on Saturday was action pact as expected as 17 goals were recorded from the seven matches that were played.

    Incase you missed the matches including the star match of the day at Stamford Bridge in the game against Pep Guardiola’s side, read below some of the things you might have missed.

    Chelsea 0 – 1 Manchester City

    OPTA FACT

    • Kevin De Bruyne has scored nine of his last 11 Man City goals from outside the box, including each of the last four.

    A game which didn’t quite live up to its billing – not helped, of course, by Alvaro Morata limping off in the first-half with a hamstring injury. After a goalless first-half, Manchester City’s control greatly increased and Pep Guardiola’s playmakers began to make deep incisions into a shuffled Chelsea’s defence.

    When Kevin De Bruyne eventually gave the visitors the lead, after a well-timed pass from Gabriel Jesus and scything move, it was a goal they thoroughly deserved. And, ultimately, it was an advantage they protected well: Chelsea mounted a vague response, but all the best chances in the remainder of the game fell to City.

     

    Saturday’s round-up, as Tottenham run over Huddersfield and Manchester United continue to click through the gears.

     

    Huddersfield 0 – 4 Tottenham

    OPTA FACT

    • Harry Kane now has 13 goals for club & country in September 2017; his best ever goal tally in a single month of his career.

    A real lesson. Huddersfield have begun Premier League life well, but this was not David Wagner’s best day: Huddersfield played into Tottenham’s hands, got caught too high up the field three times inside the first half-hour and conceded as many goals in the first half as they had in their previous six games.

    Spurs spent most of the second half well within their comfort zone, but two goals from Harry Kane (who is now just 14 goals short of Teddy Sheringham’s Premier League record for the club) and Ben Davies capped a performance in which they played some of their brightest football of the season. Moussa Sissoko added a fourth from close range in second-half stoppage-time.

    Goals: Kane 10′, 23′, Davies 16′, Sissoko 90′

    Bournemouth 0 – 0 Leicester

    Bournemouth certainly started like a side determined pull out of the relegation zone before the international break. Jermain Defoe had the clearest opportunity, but slammed his shot against the crossbar. Eddie Howe’s team were the better of the two and certainly posed the tougher questions but, oddly for two teams who don’t exactly specialise in clean sheets, this proved a stalemate.

    Goals: *Tumbleweed*

    Manchester United 4 – 0 Crystal Palace

    OPTA FACT

    • This is the first time that Marcus Rashford has assisted two goals in a single game for Man Utd.

    Exactly the start here that Palace didn’t want. Only three minutes had passed when Marcus Rashford knotted up Joel Ward before setting up Juan Mata to open the scoring. Ten minutes before the break, an impressive Manchester United performance was further rewarded by their second, Fellaini scoring after good work from Ashley Young. Fellaini would double his tally just after half-time and Romelu Lukaku scored a late fourth for his seventh goal in as many games.

    Goals: Mata 3′, Fellaini 35′ & 48′, Lukaku 86′

    Stoke 2 – 1 Southampton

    OPTA FACT

    • Saido Berahino is now without a goal in 31 hours & 23 minutes of Premier League football (Stoke & WBA combined).

    Stoke have quietly begun to go off the boil, having not won a Premier League game since beating Arsenal in August and having not led in any game at all since their 4-0 win over Rochdale in the League Cup. Mame Diouf gave them the lead here, heading in Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner on 40 minutes.

    It wasn’t all good news in the first half, though, as there was still time for Saido Berahino to miss a penalty. His wait for a first Stoke goal continues. Fifteen minutes before time, Maya Yoshida acrobatically converted Shane Long’s flick to score only Southampton’s second goal away from home this season. Peter Crouch would have the last word, though, scoring late against his old side to win Mark Hughes three overdue points.

    Goals: Diouf 40′, Crouch 85′- Yoshida 75′

    West Brom 2- 2 Watford

    OPTA FACT

    • Abdoulaye Doucouré has scored 3 goals in his last 7 league games, as many as in his previous 57.

    Despite losing, Tony Pulis would have been greatly encouraged by the improvement he saw in his side last Monday at Arsenal and West Brom initially built on that here, scoring twice in three first-half minutes through Salomon Rondon and Jonny Evans. A first goal of the season for each and the first time since May 2017 that Pulis’s team had scored more than one in a game. Abdoulaye Doucoure pulled one back before the interval and then late, late into second-half injury time, Richarlison headed in Jose Holebas’s free-kick to steal a point.

    Goals: Rondon 18′, Evans 21′ – Doucoure 37′, Richarlison 90′

    West Ham 1 – 0 Swansea

    OPTA FACT

    • Swansea have never kept an away clean sheet at West Ham, conceding 75 goals in 32 games in all comps (W2 D7 L23).

    Not a first half that gave anybody great reason for cheer; these really are two sides struggling for confidence. It didn’t really improve in the second period, either, and this game – if anyone chooses to remember it at all – become more notable for Slaven Bilic’s curious substitutions; Javier Hernandez’s withdrawal, in particular, proved unpopular with the home fans.

    Still, West Ham mounted a late siege and, after Andy Carroll had hit the bar minutes earlier, Diafra Sakho (remember him?) finished well to snatch the points. A relief for the home fans, less so the ones who (quite understandably) decided to leave early.

    Goals: Sakho ’90

  • Sanchez stars as Arsenal close on top four

    Sanchez stars as Arsenal close on top four

    Olivier Giroud grabbed a brace as Arsenal bolstered their bid to gatecrash the top four with a convincing 4-1 victory at Stoke City.

    The Frenchman started and finished the scoring to take his tally to 16 for the season as the Gunners continued their rich-vein of form with a sixth win in seven outings in all competitions.

    Mesut Ozil and the mercurial Alexis Sanchez were also on target as the visitors eventually made their superiority count to move a point behind fourth-placed Liverpool with two matches to play.

    Substitute Peter Crouch had threatened to drag the Potters back into it at 2-0 when he appeared to handle the ball into the net, but a controversial moment didn’t have an impact on the outcome as Arsenal finally won at Stoke for the first time since 2010.

    View image on TwitterLiverpool still have the initiative in the race for the Champions league places, but know that any slip against West Ham on Sunday could let the Gunners in when they host already-relegated Sunderland on Tuesday evening.
    Olivier Giroud of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Arsenal

    Olivier Giroud of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Stoke City and ArsenalGetty Images

    TALKING POINT

    Arsenal’s Champions League hopes are alive and kicking – but would it be enough for the fans?

    The Gunners’ bid for a 21st straight season of dining at Europe’s top table have looked bleak in the past few months – but now they are on a charge. Liverpool have faltered and if the Merseysiders slip up at West Ham on Sunday, the door will open for Wenger to sneak into the top four once again. For most clubs finishing in the Champions League places and reaching the FA Cup final would be enough, but Gunners still feel they have not lived up to expectations. After the Bayern Munich humbling Wenger’s future looked in major doubt, but the Frenchman may well end up doing enough to fight on. Watch this space.

    MAN OF THE MATCH

    Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal) – Quite simply the Gunners’ talisman. Provided a sensational pass for Ozil’s goal and scored the match-clinching third despite appearing to pick up a knock.

    Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring their third goal

    Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring their third goalReuters

    PLAYER RATINGS

    STOKE CITY: Butland 7, Johnson 5, Shawcross 6, Martins Indi 6, Pieters 6, Whelan 6, Cameron 6, Allen 6, Arnautovic 7, Diouf 5, Shaqiri 6. Subs: Berahino 7, Crouch 7, Sobhi n/a.

    ARSENAL: Cech 6, Holding 7, Mustafi 7, Koscielny 7, Bellerin 8, Coquelin 7, Xhaka 7, Monreal 8, Sanchez 8, Giroud 7, Ozil 7. Subs: Ramsey 6, Walcott n/a, Welbeck n/a.

    Matchcast: Full match stats and commentary

    KEY MOMENTS

    70′ – ARSENAL HIT THE POST. Monreal ghosts into space but sees his header from Bellerin’s deflected cross cannon back off the woodwork.

    42′ – GOAL! STOKE 0-1 ARSENAL. Bellerin sprints free on the right and puts a low cross on a plate for Giroud to tap home from close range.

    55′ – GOAL! STOKE 0-2 ARSENAL. The visitors double their advantage. Ozil plays a sublime one-two with Sanchez and coolly clips the ball over Butland.

    59‘ – STOKE CHANCE. Arnautovic surges free on the left and fires in cross that Diouf can only guide wide from six yards out. Stoke almost back in it!

    67′ – GOAL! STOKE 1-2 ARSENAL. Crouch loves playing against Arsenal – and he’s got Stoke right back in this. The towering forward gets to the near post to meet Arnautovic’s cross, but it looked like it may have gone in off his hand!

    76′ – GOAL! STOKE 1-3 ARSENAL. Sanchez restores Arsenal’s two-goal cushion. The forward was hobbling just moments ago, but takes a pass in his stride and drills a low shot in off the far post.

    80′ – GOAL! STOKE 1-4 ARSENAL. It’s four! Giroud slides Ramsey’s ball into the net after the Welshman had raced to the right of the area and cut it back for the striker.

    Mesut Ozil of Arsenal celebrates with Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud of Arsenal after scoring a goal to make it 0-2 during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Arsenal

    Mesut Ozil of Arsenal celebrates with Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud of Arsenal after scoring a goal to make it 0-2 during the Premier League match between Stoke City and ArsenalGetty Images

    KEY STATS

    Alexis Sanchez is the first player to record double figures for both goals (21) & assists (10) in the premier League this season.

    Sanchez has scored 15 away league goals this season; only Kevin Phillips (16 in 99/00) has more in a single PL campaign.

    Only Thierry Henry (83) and Ian Wright (87) netted 50 PL goals for Arsenal in fewer appearances than Alexis Sánchez (101).

    Giroud’s first goal was the first time Arsenal have opened the scoring in a Premier League game at Stoke City.

    The Sanchez to Ozil combination has provided five PL goals this season, only Swansea‘s Sigurdsson to Llorente (6) have combined for more.

    Crouch scored his ninth PL goal against Arsenal – only Wayne Rooney (11) & Robbie Fowler (10) have scored more v The Gunners.

  • Rooney breaks Man Utd scoring record with injury-time equaliser

    Rooney breaks Man Utd scoring record with injury-time equaliser

    Wayne Rooney on Saturday became Manchester United’s all-time leading goal scorer with a sensational stoppage-time free-kick that rescued a point at Stoke City.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that substitute Rooney curled in from the left-hand corner of the penalty box for his 250th United goal, one more than Sir Bobby Charlton.

    Stoke looked set for a third straight Premier League win, clinging to a lead given to them when Juan Mata poked Erik Pieters’ cross into his own net in the 18th minute.

    Rooney, so often the fulcrum of the United side since joining from Everton as an 18-year-old in 2004, has had to make do with a bit-part role under Jose Mourinho this season.

    Indeed, this 546th appearance came from the bench, but still delivered a moment of history.

    United had been frustrated for so long by Stoke’s stoic defence and their own wastefulness, and a free-kick awarded just outside the home penalty area looked to be the visitors’ last chance as five minutes of added time ticked down.

    Rooney, largely ineffective since joining the action, looked prime to cross, but instead arced a wonderful, dipping, right-footed shot inside the far post past the previously unbeatable Grant.

    Not only did the 31-year-old pass the mark of Charlton that had stood since 1973, but he gave United a point that looked to have gone.

    United wasted chances, hit the woodwork and were denied by Potters keeper Lee Grant.

    But their 25th and final effort at goal preserved a 17-game unbeaten run, albeit if the dropped points mean they lose ground in the race for the top four.

    They are three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and 11 off leaders Chelsea, who both play on Sunday. (NAN)

  • Stoke chief hails Odemwingie stay

    Stoke chief hails Odemwingie stay

    Stoke City chief executive, Tony Scholes, has expressed his delight over the contract extension of Nigeria international Osaze Odemwingie.

    Odemwingie signed a one-year contract extension with the club on Thursday, africanFootball.com reports.

    “We’re delighted to that Peter has extended his stay with us at the club until the summer of 2016.

    “He suffered an unfortunate injury last season after making a big impression immediately after joining the club.

    “Peter has worked incredibly hard to battle back from this to regain full fitness. He’s a popular figure not just in the dressing room but with club staff and supporters so we are thrilled to keep him on board this season, “africanFootball.com quoted the Stoke City chief as saying on the club website.

    Odemwingie has scored five goals in 23 appearances for Stoke since joining the club last year.

  • Stoke chief hails Odemwingie stay

    Stoke chief hails Odemwingie stay

    Stoke City chief executive, Tony Scholes, has expressed his delight over the contract extension of Nigeria international Osaze Odemwingie.

    Odemwingie signed a one-year contract extension with the club on Thursday, africanFootball.com reports.

    “We’re delighted to that Peter has extended his stay with us at the club until the summer of 2016.

    “He suffered an unfortunate injury last season after making a big impression immediately after joining the club.

    “Peter has worked incredibly hard to battle back from this to regain full fitness. He’s a popular figure not just in the dressing room but with club staff and supporters so we are thrilled to keep him on board this season, “africanFootball.com quoted the Stoke City chief as saying on the club website.

    Odemwingie has scored five goals in 23 appearances for Stoke since joining the club last year.