PETER CROUCH believes that Stoke City's workrate is second to none . . . after they got their reward for a storming fightback by taking their first Barclays Premier League point off champions Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium.
Crouch grabbed the headlines by with his first goal in a City shirt since the club record £10 million move from Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day, but he was quick to acclaim the contribution of his team-mates in a pulsating live televised match.
The Potters were trailing to an outstanding solo effort from Nani when the England striker popped up with a 52nd minute equaliser and he had the opportunities to turn that long-awaited first point against United into all three after that goal.
"It was a tremendous all-round team performance," said Crouch, who was named man-of-the-match. "I have never known a workrate like it here.
"The manager has instilled that work ethic in the players and it certainly showed in the way that we got at United and created some excellent chances.
"When you think that we went through 120 minutes and then penalties against Tottenham in midweek and yet it didn't show out there today.
"I thought it was a top class performance and we should perhaps have won it in the end. I felt I could have got the winner, but then you can't be greedy."
Crouch admitted that it was a particularly special moment when his firm header for Matthew Etherington's corner hit the back of the net.
"To get it against Manchester United was special, but to score it in front of the home supporters was just as pleasing for me," added the big striker.
"I am sure it will be the first of many goals I score for the Club.
"As long as I get the chances, then I am confident that there are a lot more to come.
"Ferdinand and Jones are top class performers at the centre of their defence and they are always difficult to play against, but I thought we mixed it up well, created chances and were perhaps unlucky not to come away with three points."
No comments:
Post a Comment