![]() ![]() We had changed our shape to try to win the game. “It was a nice moment for Ryan to get the equaliser. “After we had scored we were trying to manage the game and score another, but we conceded from a set-piece and then Brice had his moment - and the best we could hope for was a draw. It looked like the third game of a three game week. Steve Cooper said: “It was an average game, truth be told. That’s something we have to look to improve upon as well.” It caused problems because we gave the ball away in areas in their half and they counter-attacked off the back of that. “Where we were just a little bit wasteful at times caused our own problems. “But you saw how we played, we played with real composure and we moved the ball well. This is a good team we played, in a full house and not an easy place to come and play. Michael O’Neill said: “We’re very frustrated not to win the game, disappointed not to win the game but pleased with how we played. ![]() When Steve Cooper claimed in his post-match interview that Stoke ‘definitely didn’t deserve to win’ he was mercilessly mocked by travelling supporters and those tuning in from home. Yet Stoke looked refreshed, unified and, for the most part, like a good side. Seasons can be swayed by such fine margins and perhaps the gap to the top six will prove too much to reel in over the last 16 games. Referee Leigh Doughty, getting it in the neck from home fans, awarded a free-kick, Garner hit the woodwork and Ryan Yates pounced to level. Stoke then had two minutes plus added time to see out against 10 men with a centre-back in goal for what would have been a statement win and massive three points, not least because it would have hauled them to within one of Forest with a game in hand.īut James Garner wriggled towards the edge of the area and went to ground as Joe Allen made a tackle. Lewis Baker dispatched the resultant penalty with force – making it two in two matches for a team which, prior to his arrival, had the worst penalty record in Europe over the last three years. What do you think? Have your say in the comments sectionĪnd they were gifted a chance to go into the lead when Phil Jagielka, nudging past keeper Brice Samba on his way back from another corner, was slapped around the head by the keeper, who saw red for seeing red. Two starts, two goals so far for the deadline day signing. However, this time they came back fighting and a couple of fierce shots from Jaden Philogene-Bidace forced corners which led to the equaliser, from Josh Maja. Stoke’s record after falling behind this season is no grounds for optimism: it had happened 13 times previously and 11 had ended in defeat, with one draw and one win. It was Forest who scored what seemed like it would be a decisive first goal, a breakaway 10 minutes into the second half when Brennan Johnson tapped in a cross from Max Lowe. Stoke dominated for large periods against one of the Championship’s in-form teams, with nearly two-thirds of possession and 19 shots, including two against the woodwork, scrambled back for to level and go ahead only to end up drawing amid high drama. Stoke City were a whirlpool of contradictions as they overcame old demons yet still left Nottingham frustrated and disappointed… at the same time as encouraged and excited. ![]()
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