Stoke’s Andy Griffin has warned Manchester United – if
we can beat Arsenal we can beat you.
The Potters travel to Old Trafford on Saturday full of
confidence having followed up victory over Arsene Wenger’s side
with another precious point against Wigan.
Griffin admits Stoke have won few fans for their style of play
this season, but insists they are not worried by the criticism as
long as they keep on picking up points.
He said in the Sun: “Our way of football has got us results —
we’re not in this league to try and please other people. It’s about
Stoke City staying in this league.
“I played against Arsenal for Derby last year and we were
beaten 5-0 and it wasn’t very nice. I know which I prefer.
“So beating a top team is great for our fans. It’s great for our
fans to see us competing against a team like Arsenal. We thoroughly
deserved the win on that day, it instils a lot of belief and
confidence.
“We feel if we can beat Arsenal then surely on our day if things
go well, we can do the same against United.
“It’s obviously better to go to Old Trafford on a good run.
We’ll go there with belief and confidence and we’ll just have to
see how it goes.”
Griffin’s team-mate Rory Delap has hit the headlines with his
long throw-ins that have caused panic in Premier League
defences.
But after several notable results, including a point at Anfield
and victory over The Gunners, Griffin makes no apologies for
their direct approach.
He added: “A lot of people don’t appreciate the way we play,
they don’t appreciate Rory Delap’s throw-ins but it gets us
goals.
“As a club, you have to be selfish, we want to survive in The
Premier League — it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks."