5 Out of 8 Draws

An awkward looking collision between Charlie Adam and Sunderland's Danny Rose

My team, I say reluctantly, Stoke City faced off against Sunderland on October 27th. It ended in Stoke's fifth draw in eight matches. Coincidentally, it was Sunderland's fifth in seven matches. This 0-0 result was to be expected, still it was a little disappointing. Sunderland's defense is always tough to pick through, but they are having a hard time on the opposite side of the pitch scoring goals. Stoke's defense is definitely no slouch either, especially when they're at home in Britannia Stadium like they were for this match. However, I believe the Potters' manager, Tony Pulis, needs to make some changes to his offense. Right now he's running a 4-5-1 with the giant striker, Peter Crouch up front by himself. I think he's got a good thing going with his midfield and they are creating chances, but his whole plan is to get quality crosses into Peter Crouch whose height advantage allows him to win most headers. Not to mention, Crouch always has beautiful first touch on the ball and creates a lot of his own chances on goal. The problem is that Stoke's acquisition of Charlie Adam hasn't really blossomed yet. Adam just won't calm down when he has possession. Too many times does he get the ball and immediately sends it into the air just hoping that a teammate will get a head on it. Pulis has been trying to get Adam to take his time and look for the more handy cross but he's just not getting it yet. Personally I think they need to put him into a forward position with crouch and run the classic 4-4-2. They can have that formation and still play to their strengths. Time will tell, I guess.

Robert Huth and Sunderland's Steven Fletcher

Photo Source: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk

Peter Crouch and Sunderland's John O'Shea