MANCHESTER UNITED are the War Horse of the Premier League. Hit by injuries, knocked to the floor by the enemy and temporarily lost in battle. But they never give in, pick themselves up and start to gallop forward once more.
Defeats at the hands of Blackburn and Newcastle, plus an FA Cup loss to Liverpool, had them ducking bullets from their critics.
It was the same last year when their title credentials were questioned before they ultimately triumphed.
No, it's not vintage � as Alan Hansen is quick to point out. But what does that say for everyone else?
They might lose the odd battle but they have the experience to win the war with Alex Ferguson marshalling his troops.
Last night they had to look deep into their stables to find a 21-year-old lad who could be a hero.
While Ben Amos was never called upon to do anything dramatic, he looked comfortable on his Premier League debut between the sticks with Anders Lindegaard injured and David de Gea ill.
He was still in nappies when Paul Scholes was knocking on the first-team door here.
And again the veteran did what he does best � keeping possession and wearing the opponents down.
Towards the end of a first half in which Stoke had barely touched the ball, the 37-year-old's deft touch finally opened things up.
With his back to goal, Scholes spotted Ji-Sung Park out of the corner of an eye and flicked a ball through with the outside of his boot. It was enough to give the South Korean that yard on Jermaine Pennant, who stretched to challenge but fouled.
Javier Hernandez has been relatively quiet this season but the Mexican striker tucked away the perfect penalty low into the corner � his fourth goal in three games against Stoke.
Another spot-kick sealed it in the 53rd minute.
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