The Scotsman’s reign as Stoke City manager got off to a winning start against Huddersfield.
New manager Paul Lambert had an immediate impact on Stoke City as he led the Potters to a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town in his first match in charge.
Second-half goals from Joe Allen and Mame Biram Diouf earned Stoke their first victory in five matches and lifted them out of the Premier League relegation zone.
Here are three takeaways from Lambert’s introduction to the Britannia Stadium…
Fortress Britannia again
After building itself a reputation as a ground where away teams feared to tred in its early Premier League years, the Britannia Stadium became too easy a place to visit in the latter days of the Mark Hughes regime.
Last season’s home points tally of 27 was as few as Stoke have managed since their return to the top flight nine years ago, and they have taken plenty of Britannia batterings from the top-six teams in recent times too.
But Lambert got the stadium rocking on Saturday with his more refined brand of the aggressive and direct Tony Pulis football that brought Stoke to the dance. The Potters kept their first clean sheet since October, and the defensive solidarity was balanced with some encouraging attacking play. There will be no more easy games at the Britannia.
A Bauer bargain
Lambert cannot take any of the credit for the signing of Moritz Bauer, who BBC Sport reports joined from Rubin Kazanfor an undisclosed, but likely bargain fee, between Hughes’ sacking and the Scotsman’s appointment.
The 25-year-old right-back has been a revelation in his first two matches – an energetic silver lining of the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, and man of the match against Huddersfield following another all-action performance.
Full-backs have been a problem area for Stoke for some time, but it looks as though they have found a good one.
Long road back for Berahino
It could have gone one of two ways for Saido Berahino upon Lambert’s arrival.
The former Aston Villa boss could have given the misfiring, yet talented, striker his full backing and a run in the team to prove himself, or he could have done what he actually did – leave him out of the squad entirely.
A year after moving from West Bromwich Albion, Berahino has yet to score in 25 appearances for Stoke and it appears as though the 24-year-old has some work to do to make himself a part of Lambert’s plans.
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