Barca old boy Afellay finally shows his quality

OTHER than a tepid slap to the face of Craig Gardner, Ibrahim Afellay had failed to make much of a mark in English football since joining Stoke in the summer. But the Dutchman produced an altogether sweeter connection against Sheffield Wednesday to finally show the quality that once persuaded Barcelona to insert an £85million release clause into his contract. His first significant contribution since receiving a red card against West Bromwich in August arrived with precision timing to set Stoke on their way to a first League Cup semi-final since they won it in 1972. His fine goal opened up this tie against upwardly mobile Championship opponents — a pure volley worthy of the Nou Camp. Phil Bardsley then delivered an equally good free-kick to settle it. We still cannot say whether Afellay is capable of producing on a wet, windy Tuesday night in Stoke, however. The weather was so mild that Mark Hughes got by without a coat on the touchline. Afellay was the only outfield player needing gloves. Peter Crouch was given a rare outing at the point of Stoke’s attack, but his night was over in the 11th minute when he tweaked his hamstring. Joselu came on for him and set up the breakthrough goal in the 30th minute. The Spaniard reached the byline and dug out a deep cross. As the ball hung in the air, Afellay (right) appeared as if from nowhere to connect with a glorious volley that flew into the far corner. Wednesday pressed for an equaliser in the second half but the hosts crafted the best chances. Just before the hour Joselu’s shot brought a super save from Joe Wildsmith and a sprawling Modou Sougou blocked the follow-up. Stoke made sure of the victory 15 minutes from time after Sam Hutchinson brought down Marko Arnautovic 30 yards out. Van Ginkel touched the free-kick to the side and substitute Bardsley drilled low with pinpoint accuracy so the ball went in off the inside of the post. It was the right back’s first goal for the club since signing in July 2014. Hughes was in bold mood afterwards, detailing Stoke’s successes against the sides remaining in the competition. ‘Over two legs we back ourselves over anyone,’ he said. ‘Southampton, we beat a couple of weeks back, Everton we did the double over last season,

Manchester City we beat. Liverpool I seem to recall we beat them last game of the season. So we have got a chance.’