v Stoke City (a) - 10/3/23

[superniko]

Bad day at the office should give us all a bump back to earth. All of them look very weak. Hopefully it means we see a bit of rotation again in the coming weeks (thinking Wharton for Buckley though we’ll get Morton for Buckley)

A few HT subs needed for sure, starting with Diaz. 

[neophox]

You don't just go out giving a toss about it against an in form Stoke side....they all need a kick on the backside...i would put on Hedges and Brereton at half time.

[lraC]

Lots of optimism built up over the last few weeks, disappeared in 45 minutes there.

Too many not doing their jobs. Defence looks nervy and Pears not so assured.

Think the midfield have gone missing and no fight at the top of the pitch either.

Three changes needed at half time. This will finish 4 or 5 otherwise. 

[ItsRoverZ]

Gut feeling this would happen, Stoke really on form, Neil got them playing well and they don't fear anyone, and must be buzzing after putting 5 past Sunderland 

Think 2 is to much to come back from

[neophox]

To be fair I would had started Diaz tonight ahead Dolan now when he's been rested...we all know Dolan soon would been legged.

[goozburger]

I knew we had that still in us. I'm not surprised. Stoke deservedly ahead by two after we showed nothing after the first ten minutes. We need a big half to get anything out of this.

[johnradfordsubbuteo]

It's just sad really. Like when he pocked what we thought was the best team because they'd won the last game.

He'll have to change it and then the changes might win the next one.

And then they'll lose. Repeat. Disappoint. Repeat.

[neophox]

Just now, ItsRoverZ said:

Gut feeling this would happen, Stoke really on form, Neil got them playing well and they don't fear anyone, and must be buzzing after putting 5 past Sunderland 

Think 2 is to much to come back from

We should try and win it...

[Sparks Rover]

2 minutes ago, alcd said:

A bit of success has gone to his head. The way he's going he thinks he's Messi now.

What? Making the team....amazing success.  Well done JRC for not being as shit as you were the last 3/4 seasons.🙄

[roverandout]

Hedges for dolan. Diaz for soft lad

[G Somerset Rover]

Feels like Neill typically gets the better of us. 

[neophox]

Stoke away is always a tough game but we need to step up and see where it gets us.

[booth]

2 minutes ago, Sweaty Gussets said:

The HT score is no surprise 😉

Rovers are like Mercer, they get complacent thinking they are something special and the opposition is nothing to them, which leads to a beating. They then have to be brought back down to Earth to realise you can't just stroll through games expecting a decent result.

[pick32]

Diaz for Szmodics for me and Dolan of for hedges, got two up top and give them something to think of 

[chaddyrovers]

awful performance so far. Not got going so far. 

It started with that awful finish from JRC in the first minute 

I would be tempt to bring on BBD and Brittain at half time

[1874]

2 minutes ago, ItsRoverZ said:

Gut feeling this would happen, Stoke really on form, Neil got them playing well and they don't fear anyone, and must be buzzing after putting 5 past Sunderland 

Think 2 is to much to come back from

One is too much normally

[Exiled_Rover]

2 minutes ago, neophox said:

To be fair I would had started Diaz tonight ahead Dolan now when he's been rested...we all know Dolan soon would been legged.

 When you say 'legged' you mean that the RB is far too athletic for him, right?

He's run off him twice for those goals and is laughing at him in defence too. 

[Guest]

6 minutes ago, jim mk2 said:

Rovers fancy dans didn't fancy a cold Friday night at Stoke. It doesn't matter how good you think you are, if you don't go out and compete you'll lose. So many players off their game we're making Stoke look like a decent side, which they're not. 

But sadly they are more decent this evening so far than we are 😉

[Sweaty Gussets]

Just now, Sparks Rover said:

What? Making the team....amazing success.  Well done JRC for not being as shit as you were the last 3/4 seasons.🙄

The weeks since Rotherham away must have been tough for you. Good to see you're feeling better, 

[neophox]

Can Stoke score two then we can two ..when was the last time we came back from two goals behind ?

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

Rovers fans singing we're going to Wembley?....righty oh lads!🤢

[joey_big_nose]

I think id go for a radical change, go three at the back and in the middle. Bring brereton on to partner Gallagher up front put JRC right wing back, Brittain left wing back and Morton on for Szomdics for a central three. 

Will disrupt Stoke.

[roverandout]

Just now, neophox said:

Can Stoke score two then we can two ..when was the last time we came back from two goals behind ?

We can score two if we actually have 2 shots. We haven't had any yet 

[Nuttall is lost]

7 minutes ago, jim mk2 said:

Rovers fancy dans didn't fancy a cold Friday night at Stoke. It doesn't matter how good you think you are, if you don't go out and compete you'll lose. So many players off their game we're making Stoke look like a decent side, which they're not. 

 Messi wouldn't be able to handle a cold Friday night in Stoke.  That's why he never did anythign in football. 

[Exiled_Rover]

10 minutes ago, bluebruce said:

Hyam...more of one than the first one they claimed, but he went down very very easy. Just trying to win one more than genuinely fouled, but seen them given.

Very bad half. Those shot stats (10, 4 on target for Stoke, 3, 0 on target for us) and of course the scoreline, sum up how little we deserved.

Whenever the player immediately looks at the referee (i.e. knows exactly where the ref is stood) when they've been 'fouled' you know it's not a foul.