Stoke City manager Mark Robins was unable to conceal his anger following his side’s 3-1 defeat against Middlesbrough last night, claiming he needs better players.
Despite their lowly position, the Potters had every right to be confident when Michael Carrick’s side visited the bet365 Stadium. Boro were on a run of five consecutive defeats whilst Stoke were unbeaten in their last four home games.
Following on from a 4-2 loss against Norwich City at the weekend, Robins watched his players put on another horror show as they were largely outclassed by the visitors. Marcus Forss scored the first goal of the evening, curling home a lovely team goal. However, Stoke were handed a lifeline on the stroke of half time when Bae Jun-ho levelled.
It was a goal the hosts scarcely deserved but they failed to build on any momentum in the second period. Boro secured the three points when Finn Azaz made it 2-1 before Tommy Conway made up for his earlier open goal miss by netting the third.
“Fuming” – Robins Doesn’t Hold Back
It was a performance which angered Robins, who didn’t hold back in his assessment. Speaking after the game, the former Coventry City boss said:
“Second half is frustrating after we get back into the game. We give ourselves something to hang on to – or not necessarily even just hang on to because I thought we could go out and play in the second half and show some aggression. There was some naivety in our play. But, even without that, you’ve got to go and help yourselves by winning the fight and winning the duels. We didn’t do that and we got what we deserve.
“Ultimately, it’s all about the physical side of it and the desire to go and win some duels. I think they won 27 duels to our 15, even though they had more possession. We’ve lost the really important ones in the middle of the pitch and end up conceding chances and they stick the ball in the back of the net.
“It’s frustrating because they were there for the taking. They were there for the taking… They’re lacking confidence and are absolutely delighted they were playing Stoke City tonight. I’m fuming with it. We need better performances, and in time, we need better players.”
Writer’s View
Few will disagree with Robins’ honest assessment and there is no denying that it was a dreadful Stoke performance. The issue is that they are now languishing dangerously close to the relegation places. Cardiff City’s win over Hull means the Potters have dropped to 20th and are only five points above Plymouth Argyle in 22nd. They need to shape up quickly or they could find themselves plying their trade in League One next season.
