Thomas Sorenson - 6 - Came but didn't claim for the goal but was solid behind everything else
Robert Huth - 7 - Lucky not to have been sent off for punch on Upson but other than that he was solid and dependable as ever
Danny Collins - 7 - More steady display and one that gives hope for his defensive side. Obviously has more ability on the ball than Higginbotham and more displays like this will help the fans see his defensive game isn't too far behind the benched defender
Ryan Shawcross - 8 - World class tackle to deny Cole when he was clean through and was fantastic throughout. They don't come much stronger than Cole but he was never outmuscled
Abdoulaye Faye - 6 - Sloppy defending for the goal and a few other minor errors aswell but bar the goal was there when really needed
Rory Delap - 6 - Got involved early on as the Potters pushed hard but faded. Throws were dealt with easily and he was subbed to make way for Lawrence
Matthew Etherington - 8 - One of his best games for the Potters, firstly looked to take his man on, whereas before he was always looking backwards straight away, and he looks a lot better player for it. Won the penalty with a bursting run and tormented Faubert and Behrami throughout
Dean Whitehead - 6 - Showed good engine in getting up and down in early stages but once the game settled down I thought he'd gone to put the kettle on he was that anonymous. game does seem to bypass him a bit and he has a tendancy to sit a little too deep when we're not on top, which just puts us under even more pressure
Salif Diao - 6 - Started well but faded as he tired. Was visibly knackered when he got subbed. One good thing one bad thing summed up his afternoon. Great play to give Fuller the ball for Beattie's goal aswell.
James Beattie - 7 - Finally off the mark for the season and that goal seemed to flick his switch on. Did more after that goal than he has all season.
Ricardo Fuller - 9(Man of the Match) - Unplayable in that form. Ran all game long, made sure Tomkins and Upson knew he was there throughout and got two assists but deserved at least one goal. Took so much pressure off defence in final stages and how he didn't create a third I don't know
Substitutes
Liam Lawrence - 7 - Came on and added some skill and composure to the midfield. Usual energy aswell pressured the visitors and got stuck in to help victory.
Glenn Whelan - 7 - Was inches away from a goal shortly after coming on and put himself about. More mobile than Diao for final stages and took a booking to cynically stop breakaway at end
David Kitson - 6 - Couple of late flick ons and applied pressure to give Beattie a slight rest after a hard shift. Can feel aggrieved at having lost his place in the side but a great option from the bench