Wow, what a day, with a huge win for the Tigers coming at the end of another tumultuous week. Late winning goals are always special, but particularly when they come against Stoke, a horrible club that I detest. The sight of their fans trudging out of the KC with two minutes to go with live long in my heart. Take that Pulis!

I’m really pleased for Phil Brown, who must have had a nightmarish week. His ally Paul Duffen gone, the Tigers boss faced some heart-to-heart meetings with returning Tigers chairman Adam Pearson, who would only assure him that he would take charge of Sunday’s game at Stoke, suggesting the axe was about to drop. Brownie desperately needed a result, and got one thanks to Vennegoor of Hesselink’s injury-time winner.

The victory may not save Brown from the Job Centre – with a number of Sunday newspapers suggesting he was to be sacked regardless of the result against Stoke – but the result, and probably more importantly the performance, cannot do his prospects any harm. Pearson echoed Brown’s thoughts in suggesting the performance was key, and he must have been pleased with an energetic display, full of commitment and pace, if a few too many mistakes (particularly at the back).

AP could be seen as harsh in relieving Brown of his post after such a display, but the bigger picture tells a different story, and Brown could have few complaints if he were shown the door after a miserable 2009. Steve Coppell is rumoured to be waiting in the wings to take over, but Sunday’s victory must have given Brown hope of a reprieve.

The victory came about thanks to a culmination of factors in my view, particularly the home debut of Jimmy Bullard and the change to a 4-4-2 formation, which City fans have been craving for weeks. It’s understandable to pack the midfield against the better teams, but teams like Birmingham and Stoke warrant less respect. A 4-4-2 provides natural width and balance to the team, and doesn’t isolate the strikers.

Fagan and Altidore both looked happier to not be playing a lone frontman role, which they have both struggled with this season. The former was my man of the match, and while Altidore didn’t convince, he showed enough to suggest he could be a good prospect long-term. He looks like he needs a good run of games to get confidence and become 100% sharp to me. Whether Brown affords the young American such a luxury remains to be seen.

Bullard was excellent in a quarterback-style position, dropping deep to pick the ball up off the back four. He reminded me of the fat lad every five-a-side team has, who always gets the ball off the keeper and sits back so he doesn’t have to run. Without casting aspersions on Jimmy’s fitness, he filled the fat lad’s role nicely, providing a focal point and a poise on the ball we’ve lacked for some time. Seeing him and Geo in the same team will be a treat indeed.

Another key to Sunday’s victory was the centre halves, who were excellent. If by some miracle we can keep Anthony Gardner fir for the majority of the season, then in he and Zayatte we have the makings of a good partnership, one which repelled Stoke’s missiles with reasonable comfort. The only errors predictably came down Bernard Mendy’s flank, with Matthew Etherington predictably coming out on top in their duel. The Stoke left-winger scored one and almost laid on a second, as Mendy was caught out too easily through a lack of concentration.

However, ‘Nard did well going forward, and offered City more natural width than is provided by McShane. A difficult choice really for Brown. Mendy is the more gifted player, with more pace, and offers a better outlet than the ginger Irish international. But can we put up with a couple of howlers per game? My view is that a defender has to defend first and foremost; Mendy should play right-wing or not at all until he can erase the sloppy errors that litter his play at right-back.

Another player who had a mixed afternoon was Seyi Olofinjana, who I thought was struggling to get into the game against his former club, until of course he curled home a beautiful shot from just outside the area on the hour to level the game at 1-1. Olofinjana’s clever turn inside was particularly impressive I thought, allowing the Nigerian time to pick his spot and beat Sorensen was a fantastic finish.

It must be noted that for all City’s good work against Stoke, it was very close to petering out to a 1-1 draw. Had Faye not been sent off, I’m certain the Tigers wouldn’t have nicked the three points. It’s important to not get carried away with today’s result, and there are still more questions than answers

I hope Sunday’s result will afford Brown a bit more time to turn things around. But Pearson needs to decide who he feels is best to take the club forward. If he thinks Brown is the man, then say so and back him, if not then the change still needs to be made sooner rather than later.

Have City turned a corner, and do you think Phil Brown will remain manager? I’d love to hear your opinions. If there’s any questions I’ll do a Q+A this week hopefully.

Cheers
TC