Potters’ vital areas of concern

WITHIN 10 minutes of kick-off, the task facing Paul Lambert became abundantly clear.

Stoke’s defence stood off as Antonio Valencia advanced into the area – and watched as he sent a rasping shot beyond the reach of Jack Butland.

It was symptomatic of Stoke’s struggles this season and showed why they find themselves in 18th place, mired in a battle for survival.

Yet had the Potters shown more conviction in front of goal, they could have been back on level terms.

Stephen Ireland (right), making his first Premier League start for two years, failed to hit the target with a snatched effort.

And then the former Manchester City player sent another shot just wide of David De Gea’s right-hand post.

It also required a fine block from Phil Jones to prevent Eric Choupo-moting from scoring.

Apart from the early collective defensive amnesia that gripped Stoke, there were several positives.

New boss

Lambert jotted them down on the piece of paper he held in the Old Trafford directors’ box. In Joe Allen and Darren Fletcher, he has a midfield duo whose experience should be a huge asset.

The mercurial Xherdan Shaqiri can turn games with a moment of individual brilliance. Sadly for Stoke, it was virtually game over when Anthony Martial scored before half-time and game up when Romelu Lukaku made it 3-0. Lambert can only pray his side are more proficient in both penalty areas when Huddersfield Town come calling on Saturday.