Crouch eyes his 100th league goal against City
Published 15:13 18/12/11 By MirrorFootball
Peter Crouch will be seeking his 100th league goal against Manchester City on Wednesday after helping Stoke make history with his winner in the 2-1 victory at Wolves yesterday.
Crouch's second-half header ensured the Potters won four successive top-flight games for the first time in 44 years as they cemented their position in the top eight of the Barclays Premier League.
Stoke trailed to a Stephen Hunt penalty but an own goal from Wolves striker Kevin Doyle and Crouch's decider gave them all three points.
Crouch said: "They way of football now is when we lost four matches in a row not so long ago, people were saying 'It's a crisis and that we are going down.'
"But then we win four games on the bounce and great things are being said about you by everyone.
"It's a great run and four straight wins in the Premier League is difficult for any team to achieve.
"We've got to continue that. We've got an easy fixture on Wednesday against Man City and we are all looking forward to that.
"Someone mentioned I'm now one short of 100 league goals and hopefully I can get that (milestone) out of the way as quickly as possible."
Stoke boss Tony Pulis praised the attitude of Crouch since his £10 million August move from Tottenham, and that of his other new signings.
Pulis said: "It's not just about Crouchy's goals. It is what he does off the pitch as well as on the pitch.
"Crouchy, Jonathan Woodgate, Matthew Upson, Wilson Palacios, their attitude towards this club has been fantastic and they deserve a lot of credit.
"They are not just good footballers but good lads who have bought into what we do here."
Pulis admits Woodgate was fortunate to escape being sent off for a second bookable offence when he brought down Matt Jarvis for the Wolves penalty.
Woodgate was instantly replaced with Jermaine Pennant and Pulis said: "You have to be brave and make decisions as a manager and Jonathan has got no problem with it.
"We made it because he was having a problem against Jarvis but Jonathan was outstanding there (at full-back) against Spurs last week. You have good and bad times in football and he is very much a big part of our football club.
"I've seen a second yellow given in those circumstances so, if we have had a bit of luck, we are pleased we've had it."
Pulis also urged Wolves owner Steve Morgan to keep faith with manager Mick McCarthy, whose side are only one point above the bottom three.
He said: "The Wolves supporters were very good and stuck with the team and Mick will take heart from that.
"He is a good manager, he's at a good club and done tremendous there. What he needs now is a good chairman and good chairman stick by you.
"They have stayed in the Premier League, they are a better team than last season but are not just having the breaks at the moment. Those breaks will come."
McCarthy felt Woodgate should have been sent off and that the free-kick which led to Stoke's equaliser should not have been awarded against skipper Roger Johnson.
He said: "I went to see the referee and put over my opinion very calmly. It's not going to make any difference but at least I feel better for saying it."
McCarthy is aware of the extra significance of Tuesday's home game against Norwich after Saturday's defeat, but had no complaints about the performance of his side.
He said: "It's about the position we are in. We need points at home and it is a huge game. Three points is what we need against Norwich, however we get it.
"But we are more likely to get them if we play like we did against Stoke, particularly in the first half."
