WHEN the season begins, newly promoted teams have one aim, and one aim only; survival. The easiest way for them to achieve that is by picking up as many points as possible at home.
Teams such as West Brom, Hull City and Stoke City know that they are not going to win many games away from home. True, Hull did manage to buck the trend at the start of the season, but that was very unusual, and since January, they have reverted to type.
All the plaudits, therefore, should go to Tony Pulis and his Stoke side that have picked up 32 of their 37 points at the Britannia Stadium. The atmosphere and noise levels inside the ground can be intimidating for the opposition, and it is no coincidence that many teams have struggled there this season.
Many neutral observers have criticised Stoke’s style of play, but why? If Liverpool or Chelsea win a game 1-0 courtesy of a scrappy goal they are praised for winning ugly. Stoke have mastered the art of grinding out results, and for that, they should be credited. That is why they will be playing Premiership football again next season.
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