Stoke live the European dream as Walters rewards Pulis's ambition
Stoke City 2 Besiktas 1
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.While most Premier League managers view this competition with similar levels of trepidation reserved for a trip to the dentists, Tony Pulis could not be taking it more seriously.
Eight games unbeaten in Europe is proof that Pulis' determination to field his strongest possible teams is paying off after another stirring night here. Jon Walters, who only four years ago was operating in the lower leagues with Chester City, provided the vital goal from the penalty spot to leave Stoke in control in Group E as Besiktas failed to become the first Turkish team to win a Europa League tie in this country.
Despite a testing trip to Swansea in the Premier League on Sunday, Pulis's commitment to this competition is to be admired. "Everyone is really up for this," he said. "The whole club is excited by this. It's new to the players and the supporters. We have a responsibility to this club and our supporters to try our best. I think Besiktas are a massive danger in this group. We have to win our home games, this is a good start against a very good side.
Besiktas, who destroyed Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-1 in their first group game, were not daunted by the abrasive approach of the hosts early on and in Ricardo Quaresma, the richly talented Portugal winger, had silk to go with the steel. It was Quaresma's exquisite pass after 14 minutes that released Roberto Hilbert, with the defender fortuitously poking a shot past Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.
However, barely a minute had elapsed until Stoke restored parity. Besiktas goalkeeper Rustu Recber, the vastly experienced Turkey international, had another senior moment when he failed to punch Dean Whitehead's corner out and Peter Crouch scored from four yards out. It was his 27th goal in 51 European appearances.
Stoke were dominant in the second half. Walters, a substitute, struck a post, while Recber repaired his reputation with saves from Whitehead and Walters. But Walters rewarded Stoke's second-half superiority from the penalty spot, after Crouch was bundled over by Tomas Sivok to go top of Group E. Teams will not relish coming to the Potteries.
Stoke City (4-4-2): Sorensen; Shotton, Huth, Shawcross, Upson; Delap, Palacios (Whelan, 60), Whitehead, Etherington (Pennant, 51); Crouch, Jerome (Walters, 59). Substitutes not used Nash (gk), Wilson, Wilkinson, Arismendi.
Besiktas (4-4-1-1): Recber; Hilbert, Sivok, Korkmaz, Koybasi; Aurelio (Holosko, 82), Quaresma, Uysal (Ernst, 75), Fernandes; Simao; Edu. Substitutes not used Gonen (gk), Kavlak, Pektemek, Dag, Sidnei.
Referee A Gautier (France).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments