I came here to post exactly this TLR.
Either people couldn't be bothered because it's Stoke, people already think we're down or they let their petty dislike of Sherwood stop them from going.
Either way, 31k is pathetic.
On the subject of the crowd, bear in mind we've got WBA twice in a week soon, so think people would rather pay for those games given a choice.
Anyway, yesterday was frustrating. We didn't kick on after our goal (best header I've seen in ages) and our midfield got bullied by N'Zonzi and Whelan.
My main gripe is at Benteke, Fab and Gabby. They're all on big money, multi-year contracts and it's time to step up. Gabby had been "on fire" in training according to TS. Didn't see anything to suggest that and his performances this season definitely do not warrant a start.
Fab hasn't been the same since he came back. No driving runs forward and doesn't seem to have that snap in the tackle. Maybe he's still getting up to match fitness.
Benteke's performance was what we've become used to of late. I think he's just so frustrated. Stoke are physical and I didn't see him pushing their defenders around enough.
We've changed the manager so we no longer have Lambert to blame. It's time for the players to dig us out this mess