da 888： Two Premier League games in charge, two clean sheets and four points gained – it’s been a near-perfect start for Paul Lambert at the Bet365 Stadium despite the negativity Stoke City’s decision to appoint the former Aston Villa gaffer initially received.
da dobrowin： And yet, we probably shouldn’t be all that surprised. Mark Hughes left behind a decent side but one that – for various reasons including formation changes and injury problems – lost all sense of structure and defensive resilience during the Welshman’s final half-season in charge. By the time Lambert was preparing for his first game as Stoke boss, the Potters had conceded 50 goals in just 23 games.
But there has been an obvious balance and solidity to the team under the Scot and the defenders who looked so ropy a few weeks ago are now putting in immense performances, clearly feeling more confident and secure in Lambert’s better-organised set-up.
That particularly rings true with Ryan Shawcross. Criticisms of the Englishman being past it are now struggling to stack up against the statistics; the scoreless draw with Watford last night saw Shawcross win eleven aerial duels, complete 15 clearances and protect Jack Butland’s goal with two vital blocks.
Stoke are steadily sneaking away from the relegation zone, but Lambert hasn’t worked miracles here. He’s simplified Shawcross’s game, allowing him to focus on what he does best – essentially, put his body on the line to protect his own box – and the 30-year-old is starting to look like a real asset for the Potters once again. The same applies to centre-back partner Kurt Zouma.
[ad_pod ]