Staying on Track

Oussama Assaidi celebrating his sensational winner against Chelsea

What an end to the week for Stoke City, and in particular Oussama Assaidi. Nicknamed 'Ozzie' by his teammates, his performances against Everton and Cardiff had left some fans questioning his ability to deliver in games when it mattered. Whilst one goal does not change a player, it can certainly influence their form. With Jon Walters suspended after receiving a fifth booking of the season in a pulsating 3-2 victory over Chelsea (Stoke's first victory over the Blues since 1975), the importance of Assaidi's goal is clear. If the doubts had remained over his ability in the stands, there would have been a three-way fight for the open wing spot between Assaidi, Jermaine Pennant and Matthew Etherington. As things stand, Assaidi is likely to earn another start to add to his growing collection.

Andre Schurrle celebrating after scoring for Chelsea

Whilst Assaidi's contribution to the cause is worth discussing, the importance of a victory after dropped points against Everton and Cardiff is unparalleled. As things stand, two less points would have left Stoke two places lower in the table in 15th, with only two points bridging the gap to the relegation zone. The most ardent of Stoke fans will have felt deflated at the early goal that they conceded, a double dummy from Andre Schurrle sold to Ryan Shawcross before a shot across Asmir Begovic's reach beat him. Despite Peter Crouch's equaliser just before half-time, there were concerns. Chelsea had been dominant, naturally, and Stoke had done little to stop them. Half time came however, and something changed.

Stephen Ireland's lovely dinked weak-footed finish
as four Chelsea players watch on

It is hard to describe what changed, perhaps the team's attitude, their half-time brand of tea, but something turned a team that looked lost and unable to play together into a functional unit. This was not the sign of things to come, but a sign that good things will come. Jon Walters got a shot of luck by not being adjudged to have fouled Cesar Azpilicueta in the build-up to Stoke's second goal, a lovely finish from Stephen Ireland. Whilst a lot can be made of Jon Obi Mikel perhaps allowing Ireland too much room and not tracking back fast enough, Ireland beat what was in front of him and the goal was well-taken. Remembering that this was a game that shows that good things will come, if not straight away, a prudent reminder of this came shortly after with Chelsea's equaliser, a half-volley shot from Andre Schurrle that beat everyone in the box to squirm in the far corner of the net. Whether they were sitting at home or in the stands, fear must have crept into every Stoke supporter's heart. Yet, what happened next was amazing in Stoke's recent history. Stoke City not only dug in, determined not to allow Chelsea any guilt-edged chances, the fans in the ground were the twelfth man again, roaring them on and giving them the last surges of adrenaline that the team likely needed. Andre Schurrle's bar-bound effort being their best effort at getting in front again, whilst Stoke could have taken the win earlier in the game when Stephen Ireland missed a chance that was harder to miss than score. Despite coming on as an early substitute for Charlie Adam, Ireland's influence in the game was incredible, with his vision setting up Assaidi's winner just on the verge of stoppage time. With a win to hang on to, Stoke dug deep, and although Chelsea threw everything they'd got at Ryan Shawcross and co, Stoke hung on.

Like a Tiger in the jungle, hear them roar:

Stoke celebrating at the KC stadium in 2009

In 2010, the last year Hull City (Tigers?) participated in the Barclays Premier League, you would have had small odds on Stoke failing to gain at least a point at the KC Stadium. That was not a reflection of Hull necessarily, more their managerial situation at the time with Iain Dowie failing to keep a Phil Brown assembled side in the top division. Brown had shown he was out of his depth in this last season, yet the appointment of Iain Dowie was bizarre. Had they gone for a more experienced manager at surviving relegation, they would most likely have survived and not spent so long rebuilding their team.The rebuild helped them though in the long run, with Steve Bruce last season forming a team that are capable of nicking point(s) in tight games. This trend has continued this season with a lot of Hull's wins at home coming via the odd goal. This is where the game will be decided for Stoke. Can they score the odd goal in their favour?

Danny Graham, not celebrating his first goal this season

What Stoke didn't need was for Danny Graham to score a goal this week. Whilst he had failed to score in 23 appearances in the league, Graham took the welcome move of not celebrating a goal against his former club Swansea. Whilst the reaction to the goal was mature, inside he must have been glad that he was scoring again, and Steve Bruce must have welcomed his "star name" striker scoring at last. Whether he starts or not against Stoke is another question, with Yannick Sagbo impressing as a target man in Hull's prior games against Liverpool and Arsenal. However, with Graham scoring again, Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore finally finding their passing boots, and Hull's defence looking hard to breach, it will take something special for Stoke to breach the Tiger's defence.

Supporters would never accept Stoke Potters surely?
Neither should Hull accept the title Hull Tigers.

Despite being impressive on the pitch of late, Stoke have one gleam of hope. Hull City owner Assem Allam has taken the unusual step of trying to rebrand the club's name, changing it from Hull City FC to Hull Tigers FC. Whilst protests do not usually extend to on the pitch performances, Stoke may be able to take advantage of any lapses in concentration from fans and players alike if the protests become verbal at a good moment. Whilst I sympathise with Hull and their situation, not the first after Cardiff's kit change last season, this is a game that Stoke must win to start a winning run and keep their momentum on the right tracks.

Quick Snippet - England in Manaus:

Arena Amazonia - England vs Italy's rumble in the jungle

On paper, a difficult group and an unwanted location for the opening group game to be played. So do England stand a chance in Brazil? I say yes. Not of winning the competition, I am realistic. But there is reason to be optimistic looking at the squads available to the group opposition. Whilst Uruguay have a strikeforce that will strike fear into most defences, their defence is aging and appears frail based on Diego Lugano's appearance for West Bromwich Albion at the weekend. Italy may have beaten the Three Lions in 2012 but only on penalties. Their team is rebuilding and has had two years to develop further, but Italian football is still on a decline, like England. Stars like Mario Balotelli will keep the impression that their youth system has improved, but they are an outsider for the tournament, just like England. As for Costa Rica, they have few players that we have heard of. Fulham's Bryan Ruiz is likely to be the most recognisable name on their team sheet come the last match day, but as Algeria proved four years ago, you cannot underestimate any team, even if the names are unrecognisable. I'd guess that England will gather five points, with draws against Italy and Uruguay and a win against the Costa Ricans. Assuming that Uruguay and Italy both beat Costa Rica, then it is just a case of seeing how they play against each other. Dependant on that result, England have a chance of progression.