AFTER

a limp end to last season, an uninspiring summer and a poor start at Everton, Stoke needed a hero. As he showed with his superb goal against Arsenal, Jese Rodriguez can be that man. Only three years ago, he was one of Europe’s hottest prospects and pushing Gareth Bale for a starting berth at Real Madrid. His progress was only curbed by a cruciate-ligament injury. He showed how good he is with his perfect run to fool Nacho Monreal before a cool finish. That goal will help restore the feelgood factor at Stoke . . . and sell a fair few shirts!