After 48 games and 913 days... BERAHINO SCORES!
Brexit was still an implausible concept. Donald trump just a reality tV star. Johan Cruyff, George Michael, Prince and Muhammad Ali were all still with us.
that was the way the world looked when Saido Berahino last scored a senior goal. Until last night. Until he reacted sharpest to a shot by James McClean that hit the bar in the 53rd minute.
Berahino planted his forehead to the ball and despite Huddersfield’s attempts to clear off the line the striker had finally opened his account for Stoke.
His last goal came for West Bromwich Albion in February 2016, a barren run stretching back 913 days and 48 games. in that time Berahino has seen his application questioned, his ability doubted. But perhaps, at last, this was the signal he is ready to resume regular scoring.
Gary rowett said he would give Berahino a chance when appointed in the summer and Stoke’s manager has remained true to his word.
this was Berahino’s fourth start of the season and rowett has been rewarded.
the Stoke team converged on Berahino after his goal and the crowd cheered.
this is a club eager to accept him back after an ill-fated spell under Paul Lambert when he was dropped to the Under 23s for bad time-keeping.
Should this Carabao Cup strike be the start of something more, Stoke will be in contention for promotion.
‘Saido came to me on my first day to see where he stood after previous regimes had perhaps ostracised him,’ rowett said.
‘He said, “i’ve been to blame myself”. that’s the first step for anyone who wants to start afresh. that’s probably what he needed — a lucky break and he reacts well.’
Huddersfield manager David Wagner made 10 changes with the Premier League his priority. rowett altered only four of his players so it was no surprise Stoke were on the front foot for the most part.
Berahino had snatched at two finishes before putting away a third chance.
Huddersfield pressed late on and keeper Jonas Lossl went close with a header when up for a late corner.
But Stoke extended their lead in comical circumstances when Juninho Bacuna got an attempted back pass from 50 yards horribly wrong, volleying into his own net.
‘Our goalkeeper had our best chance in stoppage time. this speaks for itself,’ said Wagner.
‘the attitude was there but we have to be honest — the quality in the final third we have to improve.’