I CAN’T honestly say I was totally shocked by Stoke gaining a good point from Liverpool at the weekend.

And I don’t say that just because Liverpool are prone to dropping points this season, despite topping the table.

I say it because these kinds of games are often easier for the Stoke lads because they are 8/1 outsiders to win and so are playing with no expectation or pressure on their shoulders.

The real crunch comes in those many home games they have left against opposition they really have to be beating if they are to stay up.

One look at the fixture list tells you where Stoke’s destiny most probably lies.

Their remaining home games are against Manchester City, Portsmouth, Bolton, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Blackburn, West Ham and Wigan.

I reckon Wigan have enough points and quality to be safe – and they certainly should be by Stoke’s last home game – but that still leaves seven potential six-pointers to come at the Britannia.

It’s in those games, not against your Liverpools and Uniteds, where the Stoke lads must prove they can raise their game and take the pressure.

Of the 13 clubs currently below Wigan in the Premier League table, I would only stick my neck out on Spurs and Man City in declaring them virtually certain to pull out of trouble, eventually.

The rest could take this season’s relegation dogfight right to the wire and in unprecedented numbers.

A lot of people are saying 40 points is this season’s safety target, but I don’t think you can pinpoint any kind of precise figure with so many clubs still in trouble.

All you can do, particularly if you’re a Stoke fan, is target as many home wins as possible.

I don’t think Liverpool’s poor result was in any way influenced by the so-called Rafa rant on Friday, nor do I think it galvanised United into producing their 3-0 demolition of Chelsea the following day either.

Having a go at Sir Alex Ferguson in the way he did was both pointless and a little cringing.

At least when Kevin Keegan lost it, he did so in the heat of the moment and you could understand the raw emotion.

But Benitez’s attack was pre-meditated and meticulously planned.

What he ultimately accused Fergie of was trying to seek an advantage for his team.

Gee whiz, imagine a manager doing that. I don’t know any football supporter that would expect anything less of his manager. Fergie would plead guilty to what Benitez was alleging, just like any other self-respecting manager would have to.

Indeed, I’m sure I’ve seen Benitez himself jump out of his Anfield dug-out, throw his arms into the air and have a go at the fourth official to try to seek an advantage.

I was at Arsenal on Saturday when Arsene Wenger ranted at the fourth official over a perfectly legitimate Bolton tackle.
A minute or so later a Bolton player was being booked for their next tackle... 15-love to Wenger.

I can remember being fined £1,000 for raging at the referee who sent off Ian Clarkson when Stoke lost to Newcastle in the League Cup one night.

I had a go at him at half-time because I was genuinely angry, but also because I was trying to put some pressure on him.

It goes on, big deal. So if Benitez put Sir Alex in the dock last Friday, then the verdict is surely ‘case dismissed... and stop wasting the court’s time’.

A lot of people are now thinking the title race is done and dusted after United’s victory over Chelsea.

I wouldn’t go that far, but another couple of defeats in the near future would probably put paid to Chelsea’s chances of becoming champions.

I’m just not convinced Phil Scolari is the man to dig them out of this hole they seem to be digging for themselves.

I would think differently if Jose Mourinho, or even Avram Grant, was still at the helm.
But I’ve never been convinced that Scolari’s appointment would, as we were assured, release the shackles and allow Chelsea to both entertain and win.

I’m just not sure he’s a winning manager and was always wary of the fact it’s been an awfully long time since he actually lifted any silverware.

Super-match could be great for the Potteries

NOW we have two darts world champions from Stoke-on-Trent, how about a shoot-off between Ted Hankey, left, and Phil Taylor in aid of charity?

I would think the King’s Hall would be as good a venue as any and I’m sure TV would swell the coffers by screening the event live. I also have it on good authority that Betfred would be very interested in sponsoring the event to generate even more funds.

If approached, I’m sure Phil and Ted would be only too willing to do it, while the rival darts organisations surely wouldn’t stand in their way if it’s for charity.

The players themselves could choose an appropriate charity each – and I’m convinced those charities would benefit from what would be a great night for them and for the Potteries.
So how about it fellas?