Simon Lowe: Pulis' statement takes some believing
STOKIES could have been forgiven for spluttering over their mug of tea and oatcake when Saturday's Sentinel hit the streets.
Not because this paper had done anything ridiculous, you understand.
But because the newsstands were full of this incredible headline: 'We're full of goals – Pulis'.
Ahem, full of goals?!
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Last time I looked Jon Walters' well-worked strike in last Monday's creditable draw at West Ham was just Stoke's 10th Premier League goal of the season, in our 12th game.
Charlie Adam's quick turn and finish on Saturday to defeat Fulham made it 11 in 13 and meant that Stoke have still scored more goals away from home (6) than at the Brit (5) this season.
So, statistically TP couldn't be much more wrong, but how about the way Stoke have been creating chances and not converting them, which is what the capped one explained in more detail further into the article is his belief this season?
His contention is that adding Charlie Adam into the mix has added goal potency to Stoke's attack. It isn't translating yet, but as the team knits together the goals will come.
Only in this last week have I started to see the very beginnings of this.
Of course there are other factors too. We are just beginning a decent run of fixtures against teams we all fancy ourselves against, having started the campaign with a very tough run indeed.
Actually, it isn't our goalpower which worries teams that have to face Stoke.
It's our defensive organisation. One goal conceded at home in six games makes the Britannia Stadium the major fortress in English football currently.
TP has never been one to put defensive solidity at risk in order to score goals, and given our squad it is here where City's strength lies.
But at least he is giving signs that his thoughts lie more in how to attack teams.
This will become even more important as sides come to shut up shop at the Brit.
We will have to endure frustrations of having to break them down more.
It's important then that we keep well behind the team as it evolves, looks to be more ambitious, albeit in TP's reasonably cautious way.
So, roll on Wednesday when we can expect to see Stoke on the front foot, banging in the goals against a Newcastle team beginning to show signs of the kind of fatigue we suffered from last season.
Can't we?
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