Source: Team_Talk
Stoke sticking to trusted formula
The Potters attracted much publicity for their reliance on set-pieces, particularly Delap's long throws, on their elevation to the top flight last season.
Although their eventual survival owed much to the extra finesse added by mid-season season signings James Beattie and Matthew Etherington, the more pragmatic elements of their tactics continued to ruffle defences throughout.
There seems little chance of that changing after the Potters opened their second Premier League campaign with a home win against promoted Burnley.
Both goals came from familiar sources as defender Ryan Shawcross headed home a Liam Lawrence free-kick and Burnley's Stephen Jordan diverted a trademark Delap throw into his own net.
Tony Pulis claimed his side would probably be "berated" for that but cared little, and Delap is similarly unconcerned.
The midfielder said: "I don't think anyone's under any illusions that set-pieces, both defending and attacking, are vitally important to us. It proved that again.
"To be honest, the one we scored off slipped out my hands. But I'll take anything to get the win - that's the important thing.
"It is always important to get the first win, and to do it in the first game at home matters so much more.
"It showed the character of the team that, even though we didn't play particularly well on the ball, we stuck in there."
Both goals came in the first half, and the hosts almost claimed a third when Ricardo Fuller had a looping header cleared off the line. They later hit the bar through substitute Dave Kitson and went close again in stoppage time through another replacement, Richard Cresswell.
Stoke have made just one major addition to their squad since the end of last season by bringing in Dean Whitehead for £3million from Sunderland.
Pulis said: "Every quarter we are looking to improve. That's no disrespect to the other players, but we know to improve and push on we need to get a bit more quality in."
Meanwhile Coyle will continue to advocate a style that is perhaps the polar opposite of Stoke's.
He admitted, however, his players will need to absorb quickly the lessons of their opening-day loss.
They now host champions Manchester United in their first Premier League game at Turf Moor in midweek, a challenge that is both exciting and daunting.
Coyle said: "There is a lot of work ahead, but something to look forward to. We need to learn and learn quickly.
"We do try to get it wide and to entertain - but at the same time we are entertaining, we want to try to pick up points.
"I do feel this was an opportunity lost. That tells you about the belief I have in my team, because anyone who came to Stoke last season found it difficult to get points.
"I think we have got a young team that will get better and evolve at this level.
"I have always said the longer the season goes we will get better."
