Stoke Fan View: Solid but lacking a real spark as Premier League adventure resumes

We were defensively fantastic.

It became very apparent during the 90 minutes how good Kurt Zouma is actually going to be for us. We allowed Everton to create very little in the final third and we were very unlucky in the sense that Everton managed to score with their only clear cut chance.

With Bruno Martins Indi to also come in, the depth we have in the defensive positions is a real positive. This depth allows us to switch frequently between a four at the back and a three back meaning we can confuse teams with our switch in systems.

It’s my hope that we show the same defensive solidity against Arsenal as we will definitely need to based on their showing against Leicester were they opened them up numerous times.

A major upgrade is needed in the full-back department.

Our biggest weakness that I see at the moment is our fullbacks or lack of them. In terms of depth we’ve only got two fullbacks and both last season were a huge disappointment. This is why i’m incredibly surprised we’re yet to sign one this window.

I find it perplexing that with the window being open for so long, that we are yet to invest in a first team fullback. Tymon could be argued as one for the future but as of now he doesn’t really look ready for that senior step up.

I’ll be very concerned about the upcoming season if we are to neglect these two positions in the remaining time this window, as it’s something we’ve needed to look at for that last three windows.

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Where are the goals going to come from?

Yesterdays game confirmed our worries in the goal scoring department, as we were unable to create one clear cut chance in the 90 minutes. With our only shot on target coming in the 94th minute and it being from 25 yards out.

Unfortunately for Berahino it’s just not happening for him but it’s not all his fault. He obviously has faults, but when there’s no creativity around you, you are going to struggle to score goals.

I’m still unsure as is Mark Hughes, what system is best for Berahino? If they can’t find it sooner rather than later our striker should be changed as a player like Mame Diouf would score goals in this system being played currently.