Although James McClean took plenty of headlines from his showing and goal as Stoke City took victory over Hull City this weekend, he wasn’t alone.
Picking up a 2-0 victory at the Bet365 Stadium as we lifted ourselves up the Championship table and secured our first win of the year following last season’s disappointing Premier League relegation, there were a number of positives for the club to take.
It has been a poor start to the year with wayward performances, but things began to click and a bright start was rewarded nine minutes into the tie as McClean found the back of the net and we doubled our advantage just ahead of the hour mark with Mame Biram Diouf seeing his effort loop in off Jordy de Wijs.
Hull being reduced to ten men played in our favour and we protected the clean sheet with the visitors failing to register a single shot on target.
Taking to social media to reflect on the match, one man stood out for these Stoke fans – Peter Etebo.
He's got skill and seems to like a scrap came out with ball in quite a few dust ups
— Dorset potter (@rossqrailing) August 25, 2018
I agree, only BMI came close. Etebo was the best player I've seen this season in any strip – move along Watkins & Sawyer ????
— Mozz (@Mozzaa92) August 25, 2018
Totally and utterly in awe of Etebo. How on earth was Fletcher starting before him?!? #SCFC
— Proudy (@RProud89) August 25, 2018
Played well especially 2nd half, that 2nd goal lifted the team and then they showed what they are capable of doing…Berahino, McClean, Indi very good, Etebo superb!! #SCFC
— Lee (@leejones86) August 25, 2018
And my god… Etebo. Baller! ???????? #SCFC
— Proudy (@RProud89) August 25, 2018
What a performance from you today. Man of the match by a mile. Well played ????????????
— Karl Podmore (@poddy_8) August 25, 2018
Stunning performance
— Chris Eltham (@stokecitychris) August 25, 2018
The first win and first clean sheet of the year will boost everyone, now it’s about maintaining it and seeing we improvement sees us earn the early season reviews we were subject to in terms of being promotion hopefuls at the first time of asking.
This is simply the first proper step.
