Bent injury meant 451 with Gyan up front.
The atmosphere was strange, nervous / angry, I don't think Bruce can afford many bad results before the crowd turns on him tbh.
The game was poor really, surprised Stoke looked poor in defence considering they play percentage football, weren't really in the game before the goal if truth be told. The penalty was strange to me a tangle of legs one of those sometimes the ref gives it sometimes not if its in your favour your happy, but understandable if it goes against you when your not. Everybody was astounded that Malbranque took it when Gyan would of been the natural choice. No real surprise when it was saved but give all the hoo haa Bruce had when Bent let Kenwyne take one last season, it didn't look like anybody was the designated taker, poor.
Should of been a penalty for handball by Cattermole without doubt, so got very lucky there, but Stoke got away with an even more blatant one at our place last game so even things out. Don't think anybody could argue with the sending off.
Gyan is not a replacement for Kenwyne, not the same type of players. Gyan is probably more of the finisher than Kenwyne, can head it but certainly not a target man. I think him and Bent could work together and cause defences problems, but the team, midfield would have to change to make it work, the question is, is Bruce upto it. Doubt it myself.
Playing Spuds away Tuesday night.
