Pulis: More than just goals to Crouch game
Crouch twice squandered opportunities in the first-half, scuffing an attempted volley from Jermaine Pennant’s cross and then seeing his shot blocked when the ball broke to him in the box six minutes later.
The 30-year-old, who has not played for England in almost a year, had been quoted earlier in the week as saying that he did not “carry much hope” in terms of his future international prospects, even though Wayne Rooney will be suspended for the start of Euro 2012.
Pulis feels Crouch is far from finished for the Three Lions, though, and defended his performance against the Cottagers.
Asked if he had been disappointed that the tall frontman had not taken more of his chances, Pulis said: “No, not really.
“Peter will score goals, he led the line really well and the longer the game went on, the more opportunities and chances we created.
“It is not just what he does with the ball or with the ball around him.
“It is the effect he has on the rest of the team, and he also has a tremendous effect on the opposition.”
He added: “The big thing with [Stoke’s wingers] Matt [Etherington] and Jermaine [Pennant] if we are playing at our place is that with Peter up front, he attracts a lot of defenders around him, leaving more space wide.”
As the game went on, Stoke were able to exert increasing pressure on their opponents, which eventually paid off towards the end.
The hosts hit the post through Rory Delap and shortly after seeing their own crossbar rattled by John Arne Riise, Jon Walters broke the deadlock, diverting Etherington’s effort home in the 80th minute.
Delap then doubled their advantage seven minutes later, nodding in an Etherington free-kick past Schwarzer, who endured more than a few uncomfortable moments.
Fulham boss Martin Jol didn’t lay the blame with the Australian, however.
“I don’t think they were mistakes — have a good look again,” Jol said.
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