|
|
Post by Football News on Jan 20, 2018 17:26:19 GMT
 Stoke 2-0 HuddersfieldNew Stoke boss Paul Lambert won his first match in charge as the Potters beat Huddersfield to move out of the Premier League relegation zone. Joe Allen struck early in the second half for the hosts, side-footing in Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's cross. Xherdan Shaqiri and Mame Biram Diouf then combined on the edge of the area before the latter stroked home. Huddersfield, without a league win since 16 December, rarely threatened. Steve Mounie had the Terriers' best attempt, a well-struck effort from distance straight at Jack Butland late on. Peter Crouch, a target for Chelsea, came on for the final 15 minutes for the hosts. It could be the striker's final appearance for the club if a move materialises as the Potters are not in action again until 31 January - transfer deadline day. Stoke moved up to 17th with the victory, while Huddersfield are three points above the relegation zone.  Timid Terriers a concern for WagnerFavourites for relegation at the start of the season, Huddersfield have surpassed many people's expectations in their first Premier League campaign, but their recent form will be of serious concern for manager David Wagner. The Terriers have lost their past three league games, and not won in six. Playmaker Alex Pritchard, signed this month from Norwich, was brought in to try to add creativity to an attack that has been so often lacklustre this season. They have scored the fewest amount of goals in the Premier League - 19 from 24 games - and while they had three shots on target here, none truly troubled Butland. Huddersfield were promoted by playing a brand of football that relied on slick, one-touch passes to quickly turn defence into attack - but that was not evident against Stoke. Just 55% of the visitors' passes successfully found a team-mate, meaning almost one in every two went astray. The Terriers have not been in the relegation zone so far this season but that could change quickly if they are unable to rediscover the style of football that served them so well last season, and at the beginning of this campaign. Man of the match - Xherdan ShaqiriWhat next?It is another home game for Stoke next as they host Watford on Wednesday, 31 January (15:00 GMT). Huddersfield, meanwhile, host Championship side Birmingham in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, 27 January (15:00 GMT). Their next Premier League game is at home to Liverpool on Tuesday, 30 January (20:00 GMT). BBC |
|
