Gary Rowett calls for better game management from Stoke - 7M sport

Gary Rowett calls for better game management from Stoke



Posted Sunday, December 02, 2018 by PA

Gary Rowett calls for better game management from Stoke

Stoke manager Gary Rowett accused his players of poor game management dafter the 2-2 Sky Bet Championship draw at Reading.

Stoke started well but they fell behind three minutes before the break – when striker Marc McNulty nodded in his first goal for Reading.

Benik Afobe headed Stoke level three minutes after half time and Tom Ince put them ahead in the 69th minute with a stunning volley.

But Reading rallied and were rewarded four minutes into stoppage time when substitute Mo Barrow fired home.

“I’m disappointed,” Rowett said. “We created lots and lots of chances, probably more today than we have in any other game.

“We were dominant in the first half in terms of the clear-cut opportunities.

“We should have been 3-0 up at half time, I couldn’t believe that we were 1-0 down.

“At times, our game management is not as good as we’d like it to be.

“To concede goals late in each half, when we had opportunities not to concede those goals, was disappointing.

“We’ve had seven or eight really top opportunities but, after going 2-1 up, we should really see the game out.

“It was good play from Reading at the end and it was a good finish by Barrow but, at that point, we should see it out.

“We’ve been better than Reading, we’ve created far more chances than them, and we looked quite comfortable.

“Probably 95 per cent of what we did in the first half was good. But that last five per cent was going to be what won or lost us the game.

“We’ve just got to be more clinical with taking our chances and we have to make better decisions about seeing the game out late on.

“We should’ve been going away with all three points. It’s almost criminal that we aren’t.”

Reading still lie outside the relegation zone on goal difference only.

“It’s a good point right at the end of the game,” manager Paul Clement said.

“To score that late, I thought it might have got away from us. I’m glad the players didn’t think that. That’s the most important thing.

“We pushed really strongly at the end. I got as many attacking players on as I could.

“We put in a couple of really good low crosses that flashed past Jack Butland (Stoke goalkeeper) and we just didn’t have someone in there to finish them off.

“The players kept going right to the end. And when you score that late, it feels like more than a draw.

“I was pleased with a lot of aspects of our play. We looked good in the first half and deservedly went ahead.

“But we started the second half poorly and please don’t even ask me why.

“I’m not telling the players to come out and play rubbish. Of course I’m not.

“But why it’s happening regularly, I just don’t know. It’s certainly not something that I’m saying to them.

“But having gone behind, when Stoke clearly upped their game in the second half, we stuck at it and kept going.

“We finished the game strongly and, over the last two games, the players have not been downing tools.

“If we can string together some good performances, the results will come. I’m convinced of that.”

Tag:


Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.