Superb save from Okazaki in first half and his distribution did improve compared to recent games. However did misjudge the ball that led to corner which eventually ended up in a goal, also, for a keeper of his standard he should not have been beaten by Mahrez. Not the best of performances in front of the England boss.
Mame Diouf – 7
Worked so hard in every position on the pitch, created a couple chances for others, did have trouble dealing with Gray when at wing back.
A week ago, Stoke lost 7-2 to a spellbinding Manchester City side. Despite it being Stoke’s heaviest defeat under Mark Hughes, the fans’ response after the game was relatively calm. Probably partially due to the sheer ruthlessness of the Citizens and partially due the string of heavy Stoke defeats over the last couple of seasons prior to this game. The Stoke players and manager demanded a reaction against Bournemouth; after a very difficult opening set of fixtures, this game was certainly a chance for Stoke’s season to kickstart. Stoke proceeded to lose to Bournemouth 2-1 at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, and it appears those in the club who were prompting a ‘reaction’ wore no trousers.
This defeat saw Stoke plunge into the bottom three after nine games, a quarter of a season, played. Admittedly, it was a fate that was predicted at the start of the season – Stoke have already faced five of last season’s top seven – and it’s a situation that Stoke have plenty of time to turn around. Despite this, Potters fans’ frustrations have peaked. Talks of the club regressing, a growing sense of apathy and evidence of time, money and talent being wasted means that fans’ hostility – to the club and each other – is at its highest in years.
This question seems to be the strongest thread preventing the trap door from falling under Mark Hughes. Initially it appears to be a valid question, the market is not currently swarming with clear choices to come in and take control of Stoke. But with some deeper thought there is a wealth of targets that Mr. Coates can pursue should he finally lose patience with a manager blaming the wind for defeats. I’ve decided to put these options into a few different categories and will pick a most likely option from each to discuss in a little bit more detail.
Conceded seven but couldn’t be blamed for any apart from maybe the sixth when he has beating as his near post.
Tom Edwards – 5
Suffered defensively and Sane had him all over the place however did look a little promising at times and his cross for Diouf was exceptional, shame he couldn’t continue but looking forward to seeing more of him.
Faced four shots on target and conceded, left with no chance for three of the four but beat by a dink at the near post for Chelsea’s third that could’ve been dealt with better, other than the goals he was not called into no other action.
Mame Diouf – 6
Did well going forward and was unlucky with his overhead kick but did Azpilicueta get away who assisted Chelsea’s fourth.
Couldn’t blame him for conceding the two he did. Could’ve been more without him being so quick of his line.
Mame Diouf – 5
Lost Atsu for Newcastle’s first, was beat too easily down the right and didn’t do anything going forward, put a last minute chance wide we it should’ve at least been on target.
Quality performance from England’s number one, a couple good saves mainly with his legs but a point saving save right at the end from Zouma stood out the most, couldn’t fault him for either goal, what a man!
Mame Diouf – 7.5
Looks more comfortable in a wing back role now. Made good progress down the right and did well to create Moting’s first, much improved defensively.
