It’s been literally years since I’ve seen us break with pace like we do now. It’s partly fitness instilled by Neil, partly Ty Campbell getting back to his best and partly some very shrewd loan signings.

Eeem.. phew. Not a massive amount to say about that that you won’t already know, I’ll not rub anything in.. the Chilean Stokie finally scores against his boyhood club at least… thanks for having me, best of luck going for promotion, see you next time.

I mean on this evidence so far I think I’d struggle to keep it to single figures

🤭

All the best then, may the best xG win 😉

https://twitter.com/stokecity/status/1634267884640784395?s=20

Your aGs don’t exactly look too clever either to be fair 😉 Looks like you’re improving though, both statistically and from what you guys have said here. You’re in a great position.

I guess I just meant overall I expected to see more concern about your stats. But if you don’t read too much into it, fair enough. You’re obviously the ones watching every week. I don’t “expect a defeat” as such, it just wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t know what to think about it honestly, I’m kind of just hoping it’s a good open game, as opposed to our customary 0-1 home reversals to teams that score early then sit in two banks and waste time for 78 minutes.

Well I don’t wish to hijack the thread too much but I’d be a little concerned about next season if I were you, unless JDT can improve your processes of course, which he may well do. xG is the most reliable (long-term) predictor of outcomes there is and at the moment you’re a massive anomaly. A full season is still a small sample. But there are plenty other factors, things can change fast (maybe already are) and I wish you the best, I’d like to see you back in the Prem and hope you make it. And I’m not for a second suggesting any of this will have any particular bearing on tonight’s match. I’m used to us being shite - I’m happy we seem to be finally, incrementally, improving but if form is anything to go by we're nailed on for a loss to nil tonight 🙄

I’m from Stoke but live in Santiago, I joined your board to give my perspective when the bewildering Breretonmania happened and I’ve been dropping in every now and then since then 👋🏼 I like your board, it’s a lot more grown-up and reasonable than some.

We are! 😁

Here’s a beanstalk for you to climb if you dare 😜

Right, I wasn’t sure about that.. thanks for the clarification. Neil really improved our rolling xGD stats and we’re just starting to see some reflection of that in results. I feel somewhat optimistic, which makes a real change after the last six years or so. Two teams in reasonably good form then, hopefully a decent game.

Good day Blackburn Roverers, long time no post. Thought I’d have a scan of your board ahead of the game and, without wishing to dive in ruffling feathers off the bat, I was rather taken aback at the positivity, given your team’s stats this season.. seeing people talking about the playoffs and “Stoke are 16th for a reason” etc… is there not a bit of an xG-shaped elephant in the room here? You’re doing well but over-performing on your chance creation to an extent that I think could be described as a freak occurrence - is it a concern…? maybe I’m missing something. Aaanyway that said, as to the game we’re awful at home and generally seem to win one then lose one, so you’ve every right to expect a win. One thing I’d say is that if you come to attack we might stand a chance. The teams that routinely beat us at home tend to set up with a “low block”, as our manager likes to say, and nick the odd goal on the break. Maybe it’ll be a good game if you come looking for the win. We’ve actually started to create chances and score some goals in 2023, which is a novel development. No need to worry about Gayle mind, his technique has completely deserted him in his old age. Our sub goalie is also a worry. Big blow to lose Sarkic so soon, he’d improved us a lot. Safe travels to those going, mind how you go if it’s icy and enjoy the evening.

F knows how we managed to hold on to that and wtf we were doing with our subs I dunno, you were walking through us all half but we didn't put anyone on to get in the way. Looked like BBD should have had a pen too. Very fortunate on a number of counts.

We look a different team from under O'Neill, thank god. HT changes for you, here we go...

Alright Rovers. Meant to drop in before this game but we’ve had a bit of a busy week 😬 I wouldn’t worry too much yet, as much as we look rejuvenated, a good half usually means we’re ripe to concede soon.

Let me know when you have a copy of the rulebook in front of you and I'll direct you to the relevant section 😉

I really wouldn't mate, I'm a stickler for the rules. Not trying to rub anything in, believe me I know how you feel

That's not what the rule is. If the arm is in an "unnatural position" as defined by being outstretched from the silhouette of the body, it's classed as intentional handball no matter where the ball is struck from. It's why defenders defend crosses with their arms behind their backs. Awful decision from the ref.

Doesn't make any difference. Arm outstretched well away from his body, stonewall penalty.

Looked like a penno that

Case of mistaken identity somewhere I think, or just a flustered choice of words. He's been flawless. edit [cue massive clanger from him to gift you a goal...]

Point of order, Jagielka has been outstanding ever since he arrived

Up for a manager swap? Might be a giggle