Whitehead fixes sights on United
The 28-year-old believes the Potters are now capable of surprising the Barclays Premier League leaders after beginning 2011 with an uplifting victory over Everton on Saturday.
The 2-0 success at the Britannia Stadium was the first in front of home fans for seven weeks and pushed Tony Pulis’s men up to eighth in the table.
Whitehead said: “Everyone is buzzing in there after a win like that.
“To get the win means a lot to us — the players, the fans, everybody.
“Now we have to lift again and get ready for Man United.
“The games come thick and fast and we have got to make sure we get the bodies right.
“Hopefully we can go there with a bit of confidence and maybe nick a result there.”
Stoke took control of the game when top scorer Kenwyne Jones headed his first goal for almost two months midway through the first half.
Everton, who felt they were denied a penalty in the first minute, squandered numerous opportunities to equalise before a freak Phil Jagielka own goal condemned them to defeat.
“There are going to be sticky spells in games and Everton have got a lot of good players,” said Whitehead, who went close to adding a third goal late on with a thunderous volley.
“When we are under the cosh we have got to make sure we defend and I think the lads at the back were awesome.
“When we got the second it was a little bit more comfortable but it was still a tough, tough game and we are delighted with the three points.”
Pulis also hailed the spirit of his side as they now prepare for the testing United encounter after a draining Christmas week.
Stoke won at Blackburn on St Stephen’s Day but then slipped to an unexpected defeat to Fulham two days later.
“We have got an easy game now at Old Trafford so it is nice to pick up three points,” said the Welshman.
“That was our third game — Everton have only had two games this week.
“The energy levels of the players and commitment — they really did compete for every loose ball out there. We’re very pleased.”
Everton continue to frustrate their manager David Moyes in front of goal.
All season Moyes has bemoaned a lack of goals and his team cannot achieve the results he feels their performances deserve.
With games against Tottenham in midweek and Liverpool later this month to come, the Toffees’ position just three points above the bottom three is also a concern.
Moyes said: “I’m frustrated we didn’t get something out of the game. The boys worked tirelessly to get a result and the two centre-halves were immense.
“The goals were disappointing but I thought they did great and Louis Saha played well up front. I thought there were an awful lot of good things about Everton’s performance but we didn’t get the result, which is what you are judged on.”
If there was any consolation for Moyes, it was that Pulis felt his luck would soon turn.
“I think Everton are a very good side,” Pulis said. “They have got all the tools. They have got good players who keep the ball and move the ball quickly.
“They will pick up a lot of points and end up at the top end of the table.”
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