It has taken six league games but finally Stoke City is on the run. First victory for the Putters based on a magnificent first half of midfield pressure and direct playing style that left Swansea’s squad shocked and disconcerted. Two early chances for the host’s made Laudrup realize that it wasn’t going to be their day but a physical and tough contest.
It only took 12 minutes for Peter Crouch to demonstrate who was in charge of the situation, displaying his aerial strength on his 500tth appearance in the Premier League put Stoke in front with a shrewd header from a corner kick executed by Whelan.
With an overcrowded midfield under control, Tony Pulis ordered his pupils to keep pressuring their dazed rivals obtaining their reward came in the 35th minute when Walters managed to win a contested ball inside of the box and Crouch, making good use of it, scored his second goal after Vorm’s initial save.
In the second half Swansea improved their game and took control of the possession but not enough to put Begovic in trouble. With a solid defense Stoke let the time pass by managing their two goal lead and took advantage of spaces in the last stretch of the game pursuing with emphasis Peter’s hat trick. The crossbar denied Crouch his third goal of the match in the 77th minute after a cross from the left wing by Etherington.
The score remained still as Stoke City achieved their first victory in this Premier League season in an ideal afternoon at the Britannia Stadium.