Stoke have a plan after late talent splurge

[Getty Images] Ben Johnson had no right to score from the position he found himself in, chasing a hopefully lofted Robert Bozenik ball into the Cardiff box with angles against him and two defenders for company. That the ball ended up in the net from there and not from one of the many clear-cut chances spurned by both sides certainly came as a surprise. In truth, Cardiff were the more wasteful, particularly during a dominant second half. They did score once, through Joel Colwill, but hit the woodwork three times, missed several very presentable opportunities and finished with an xG (Expected Goals) of 2.93. Stoke's was down at 0.75, the largest portion of which may have come from a George Hirst chance when he ran through on goal and never looked entirely convincing in forcing a save from Nathan Trott. The Potters finished with just 29% of the possession and couldn't find a way to get up the pitch often enough as the game went on, dropping deep and failing to get enough pressure on the ball. When they did take possession they wasted it too frequently which was frustrating in a game in which they always carried a threat. But this is a team that has barely trained together after major changes late in the transfer window and that has also changed its tactical approach significantly in adopting a back three. While looking a little disorganised at times and like they haven't quite got to grips with a new way of playing with new personnel, they've picked up seven points from the past nine on offer. They have far more talent in the squad than they did a few weeks ago and a plan to take forward. They didn't play well at Cardiff but that points haul, the ability they're showing in attacking areas, the work rate and commitment they're putting into games and the scope for improvement that clearly exists are all major positives they'll take forward with them. Latest Stoke City news, analysis and fan views