Tony Pulis is seen as something of a manager who has Arsène Wenger’s number but, honestly, he’s only ever been any good when he’s at home.
I realise I’m setting an out-of-form Arsenal up for a big fall tonight but Pulis’ record at the Emirates Stadium is frankly terrible.
Three years after Pulis’ departure, Stoke City remain a horrible side for Arsenal to play. However, the Potters never left north London with anything under the tenure of their former manager.
2008/09: 4-1
2009/10: 2-0
2010/11: 1-0
2011/12: 3-1
2012/13: 1-0
The two one-nil victories were Arsenal’s most difficult, with Sebastian Squillaci scoring the only goal of the game in 2010/11. Coming in a midweek before the League Cup final, Stoke did manage to do some damage as they injured Theo Walcott, who missed the Wembley defeat to Birmingham City as a result. Cesc Fàbregas also picked up an injury, the rest is history.
Moving on and Pulis has had a job at Crystal Palace (for half of the 2013/14 season) and his curent role at West Bromwich Albion. He hasn’t fared much better at the Emirates Stadium.
2013/14: 2-0
Two second-half goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were enough to see off the Eagles.
2014/15: 4-1
On the last day of the season, Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick and Jack Wilshere bagged a screamer.
Seven games, 0 points, 17-3 on aggregate. So, will Thursday night’s game be any different?