Merson strikes a note of caution
Walsall 1 Stoke City 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.We have always known Paul Merson can play a good game. With the passing of the years, it is becoming apparent he can also talk one. The most famous player in Walsall's 115-year history is encouraged by the starts made by his new club and the Stoke City side who went within five minutes of victory at Bescot Stadium.
But he is not fooled by them. He knows the time of reckoning will be long after the grass has lost its summer-holiday greenness and injuries and suspensions kick in.
"You are looking ahead to November, December and January to see how teams will really do," he said after his trademark volley had salvaged the Saddlers' unbeaten record and ended Stoke's 100 per cent one. "That's when clubs like West Brom could come to the fore and run away with this league. They have five centre forwards and real strength in depth. This was our best 11 and Stoke's best 11."
That is not to deny the advances both clubs have made. Going back to spring, the Potteries side have won four and drawn one and have enough to stay clear of last season's survival battle. Their manager, Tony Pulis, recruited eight new players. Several achieved top billing in this derby.
Carl Asaba, joined up front by the powerful Gifton Noel-Williams, fired them into a lead that the midfield powerhouse John Eustace and the debutant central defender Paul Williams did much to protect for so long. Merson would have had the last word had Vinny Samways not indulged in an angry injury-time exchange with Eustace and earned a second yellow card.
That Williams so often frustrated Walsall will have irritated Colin Lee who criticised him for not having the courtesy to tell him he was moving to the Britannia Stadium rather than Bescot. Loyalty plays a big part in Lee's style. Seven players he coached or managed at Wolves have followed him, as have two backroom staff. This ex-Molineux crop could have a happier season than the one left behind.
Goals: Asaba (33) 0-1; Merson (85) 1-1.
Walsall (3-5-2): Walker; Roper, Emblen (Matias, 51), Hay; Bazeley, Osborn (Oakes, 78), Samways, Merson, Aranalde; Corica (Birch, 64), Leitao. Substitutes not used: Kerr, Wrack.
Stoke City (3-5-2): De Goey; Thomas, Williams, Hall; Marteinson (Commons, 64), Russell, Andrews, Eustace, Clarke; Asaba (Henry, 70), Noel-Williams. Substitutes not used: Greenacre, Iwelumo, Cutler.
Referee: P Taylor (Hertfordshire).
Bookings: Walsall: Aranalde, Oakes, Roper, Samways. Stoke: Eustace, Henry, Marteinson, Williams.
Sending off: Walsall: Samways.
Man of the match: Merson.
Attendance: 9,033.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments