Mark Robins was delighted with his Stoke City side's opening day victory, as they came from 1-0 down to win 3-1 against Derby County.
Stoke controlled the first half of the game, but they were unable to capitalise, and they looked set for a disappointing start to the season when Carlton Morris put the Rams 1-0 up on the hour mark.
However, City responded. A scintillating strike from Lewis Baker from the edge of the penalty area restored parity for the hosts, before dramatic injury time goals from Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas saw the Potters snatch all three points at the death.
"I thought we were really good value" - Robins impressed with performance
After a last gasp victory, it can be easy for a side to get carried away celebrating and forget to focus on potential improvements from the performance they produced.
However, Stoke controlled possession for large proportions of the game, and certainly had the better of the chances, and Mark Robins seemed to be proud of the way his team had performed.
"I thought it was a really good game, I didn't think it was as intense as last night's game, or certainly some of the 12:30pm kick offs today.
"It was a really good start for us. We just need to look at it, digest it and pick out all the good bits from it and make sure that we learn what we need to learn.
"I thought we were really good value. We were really good between both penalty areas, and then we were a little unfortunate.
"Their defenders are really experienced, but we were persistent, relentless and it was about finding the key to unlocking their midfield."
Super Subs and Standout Signings make Difference
Stoke have made eight new signings this summer, and whilst Steven N'Zonzi was introduced on the pitch ahead of kick-off, it was those on the pitch who stole the show.
Divin Mubama worked tirelessly all game and thoroughly deserved his winner, while Sorba Thomas produced a stellar display from the wing.
Mark Robins was particularly thrilled by their displays, and he was ecstatic to see those players score, as he understands the significance of scoring a goal early in your time at a new club.
Robins also took his time to discuss the impressive performances of his substitutes, particularly Tatsuki Seko and Jamie Donley, who shone after their introduction.
"The changes...Seko came on for Pearo," Robins reflected. "His cross that came in was perfect.
"Divin deserved it, because of his running. All game he got little, he linked the play well in the first half. I thought his chance would come. Once he learns, he'll get better and better and his header was a really good one. I was pleased for him.
"The third one just topped it off, because it was absolutely unbelievably good.
"Jamie Donley's vision, awareness, unselfishness and ability to pick a pass, see Sorba so he can stick it in the net - we had two new signings score, one with an assist and a really good Lewis Baker goal.
"Ash Phillips has won a massive challenge, his header was incredible. It's a happy day."
Squad Depth to be Crucial
With the transfer window still open, Mark Robins may look to add to the eight signings that he has already made this summer to continue to bolster his squad.
Indeed, when prompted, he discussed the significance of having squad depth over the course of the grueling Championship season, potentially alluding to more new faces arriving at the club.
"You've got to have it," Robins emphasised. "You look at the game last night, Birmingham and Ipswich - the depth that they have."
"If you have injuries over the course of the season...you've got to have equally good players to bring on, although the dynamic changes, but you have got to have it because of the intensity of the game."
