Ton Up For John Boy?
As we anticipate what looks set to be a 100th consecutive Premier League appearance for Jonathan Walters at Swansea we thought it only fair to take a look back at the previous 99 and reflect on his top three performances.
Like him or loathe him, the fact that both Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes not to mention Giovanni Trappatoni’s always seem to find a place for him in the team proves the faith and trust they all bestow in him.
Everyone knows that he is never going to be a top class winger with the crossing ability of a Jermaine Pennant, or the skills of a Marko Arnautovic…and I doubt he would claim it himself, but no-one can question his commitment to the cause and effort in carrying out his managers orders to the best of his ability.
Whilst it’s fair to say John Boy isn’t exactly flavour of the month right now, no-one can deny appearing in 100 Consecutive Premier League games in a row is an achievement which deserves respect in itself.
3) QPR 0-2 Stoke City April 20th 2013
A back to basics display from the Potters as they found themselves in desperate form only 3 points above the drop zone and seemingly spiralling towards a relegation dogfight. In truth QPR were abysmal, and Stoke led 1-0 at the break thanks to Peter Crouch neat finish. But the clincher came when Clint Hill hauled down Robert Huth in the box with 15 mins to go. Walters stepped up and confidently scored…only for the referee to force him to re-take it. He showed no nerves, again rifling the ball into the corner of the net, for one of his more memorable penalties and pretty much secured Premier League survival.
2) Stoke City 1-1 Chelsea April 2nd 2011.
An all action display from John against one of the best teams in the Premier League. Scores a majestic early goal in which he displays all the qualities Stoke seem to be lacking currently. He robbed David Luiz of possession on the halfway line surged towards the Chelsea area, before confidently stepping inside Micheal Essien and powering the ball past Petr Cech. A fine goal, in an all round excellent display as Stoke enjoyed their best spell of football under Tony Pulis in the Premier League.
1) Stoke City 3-1 Liverpool December 26th 2012.
An early Steven Gerrard penalty after Luis Suarez went to ground suspiciously easily awoke the Boothen and roused the Potters into action on a night when the Stoke not only out-battled but also out-played Brendan Rogers’ Liverpool, and offered up possibly the last really enjoyable performance from a TP team. Walters grabbed the equaliser capitalising on a slip from Martin Skrtel and slotting the ball past Pepe Reina. Kenwyne headed the Potters 2-1 ahead, before Walters scored the third with a delightful flick after an Andy Wilkinson long throw.
Whilst not included in the list any chance to mention this has to be in there!
Bolton Wanderers 0-5 Stoke City April 17th 2011 (F.A Cup)
The Potters are already 3-0 up at half time through strikes from Etherington, Huth and Jones before Walters gets in on the action on a day where pretty much everything went right for the team. He scored two in the second half, the first of which went on to be awarded the goal of the season as he picked the ball up on the halfway line before riffling into the bottom corner from 25 yards out. He then put the gloss on proceedings with a cheeky poked finish to send the Potters into the F.A Cup final for the first time in their history.
There we go; I hope those reminded us of the best bits of the past 100. Lets hope we see something special at Swansea to add to the list…
Share this article
Related Articles
