WENGER MANIA SWEEPS POTTERIES AGAIN

STOKE CITY FC 0 ARSENAL 0

There is little doubt that Arsene Wenger is a big favorite in Stoke,a real crowd pleaser if ever I saw one.The match itself was something of a stalemate,no goals,and neither keeper seriously bothered.  

But our Arsene has the ability to liven up proceedings.He did not remonstrate half as much yesterday as he did last April,but he did provide some opportunities for gleeful Stokie mischief.Doing the Wenger was much more fun than the offerings on the pitch.

It might be my imagination but I think I saw Stokie Steve Bould in the Arsenal back four.They showed much greater resolution than on their earlier visit,surely a reflection of Bould's coaching skills and defensive bent.

Wenger has picked up a midfield gem in Cazorla,Stoke ,for their part,have added the talented Cameron to the squad.Both I suspect will make major contributions this season.Both forward lines fired blanks,and not particularly frequently at that.Stoke did have the ball in the net.Walters netted from one of the few clean nod downs that Crouch was permitted,but the would be scorer was adjudged offside.

Pennant should have had a penalty when he was nudged over by Gibbs,but Ref Mason saw nothing amiss.

Honours just about even against the European Championship qualifiers..

ROYALS RESCUE

READING  1  STOKE CITY FC  1

Stoke opened the season with a visit to newly promoted Reading.Kightley opened his Stoke Premiership goal account with a scuffed shot which stand in keeper Frederici ought to have dealt with.



Reasonably even exchanges followed,with Reading being increasingly influential after the introduction of winger McCleary down the right.



Stoke looked to be coming away from 'The Mad Stad' with all three points until our old Friend Kevin the ref made his customary intervention.In the 90th minute he awarded the home side a penalty red carding the luckless Whitehead.Le Fondre converted the kick.The Royals duly rescued a point.