Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal have quality but we've got spirit, says Stoke boss Tony Pulis
Stoke boss Tony Pulis believes his side proved they are a match for anyone at the Britannia Stadium after dumping Arsenal out of the FA Cup.[LNB]The Potters beat Arsenal's youngsters 3-1 in the the fourth round, but the draw, made two hours later, was not kind to them as it handed them a daunting away tie at Manchester City. [LNB]But Pulis was delighted with the victory over the Gunners, which came courtesy of two goals from Ricardo Fuller and a late effort from Dean Whitehead, after Denilson had equalised shortly before half-time. [LNB] Pottery class: Ricardo Fuller gives Stoke City the lead at the Britannia Stadium[LNB] Pulis said: 'At home we are a match for anyone, with our crowd in full flow when we are roaring about the place. [LNB]'The spirit was fantastic from our lads. We knew that whatever sideArsene Wenger selected, it would always be a quality team. [LNB]'They were top of the Premier League this week and they have a lotof injuries already. But whoever they fielded, it was going to bequality because he has a lot of depth.[LNB]Gunned down: Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas reflects as Arsenal are sent crashing out of the FA Cup [LNB]'For Arsene to say we were dangerous is a compliment. That's enough for me.'[LNB]He added: 'I was thinking of taking off Fuller before the secondgoal, but he may have seen what I was going to do and he made sure hestayed on with that goal. [LNB]'He was outstanding, as was Mamady Sidibe who put in a tremendous amount of work that people do not always see. [LNB]'They are a good combination. They are a handful when they are on their game, and they were certainly on form for this one. [LNB] 'Everybody gave their best. Nobody can question our spirit andtogetherness, and the lads have shown that again to get us into thefifth round. [LNB]'I am proud of them, and the fans should be after that amount of effort.'[LNB]Arsenal boss Wenger conceded his youthful side were overpowered butwould not accept he was wrong to select an inexperienced XI. [LNB]With crucial Premier League games against major rivals Aston Villa,Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in a 14-day spell coming up,Wenger clearly was concentrating more on his club's title ambitions. [LNB] A tale of two managers: Tony Pulis was delighted with his side's performance against Arsene Wenger's inexperienced Arsenal team [LNB][LNB]He said: 'The game was more physical than technical, and physically they were stronger than us in a very simple game. [LNB]'We were exposed to a fight, and some of our players were a bit young and could not cope with it. [LNB]'I do not regret the side I put out, I did not have much choice. Wehad 10 injuries and a very difficult programme coming up. [LNB]'Our selection was simple, take a look at our schedule and you mustsee we cannot play the same XI every time, that is for sure.' [LNB] Stoke 3 Arsenal 1: Sol Campbell makes losing return thanks to Fuller's doubleSol Campbell misses the honeymoon period again - just like at Notts CountyJamie Redknapp's weekend Watch: Stoke looking good with Fuller in flightSTOKE CITY FC
