Osaze Odemwingie says victory over Manchester United and Arsenal inspired Stoke City to dream again.
The Nigeria international scored his fourth Stoke City goal in Sunday’s 4-1 win at Aston Villa.
He said the ‘Potters were able to come back from an early Christian Benteke goal to winning their first away tie since returning to the Premier League in 2008 because of their previous experience against bigger sides.
“We look inspired and we are, inspired from our performances against the big teams,” Osaze was quoted as saying by the Stoke Sentinel.
“Yet even before I came to Stoke I saw glimpses of fantastic football, like away at Newcastle before we went down to nine men.
“I saw glimpses in the team and having Arnautovic, Ireland, Nzonzi, these are players who want to pass the ball.
“Stoke are known for the long ball, but we mix it up now.
“We have Crouch who can hold it and give everyone time to join him and we can pass it out from defence; the team is really doing well and this was just an example of how much quality this team has.”
Sunday’s away win win helped Stoke climb above Villa to 10th in the league table.
Stoke needs 11 points from their last seven games to “beat” their best-ever Premier League performance – that was in 2010 when they collected 47 points- and Odemwingie, who has now scored five league goals so far, said it’s achievable.
“We have come back from early goals a few times recently and we didn’t drop our hands, we kept going. The overall performance was fantastic,” he told Sky Sports after the win.
“We dealt with their attackers and were good all round. I’m really enjoying my time at Stoke and knew that I would get balls from Peter Crouch, you know he will win it so you can make runs off him.
“We have 37 points now which should be close to safety, we had a team meeting and we want to beat our best records for points and goals.”
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old is already relishing his few months stay with coach Mark Hughes’ side and his partnership with Englishman Peter Crouch, who provided his recent goal at Villa Park.
He said: “I’ve really settled in well. Off the pitch they are very lively, they’ve welcomed me with jokes and I can’t complain. It’s not down to me, all the people at the club have made it easy for me.
“I get balls off Crouch. You know when the ball goes to him he’s either going to flick it to you or keep it and it’s your job to pick it up and have a shot.
“To have that always in the back of your mind makes it easy, you can sniff out chances pretty easily.
“That was one of the times I felt he was going to win the ball I made that run, picked it up and scored.
“I’m very lucky to have found that perfect fit after my time at Cardiff City, where I kept switching from playing winger to central striker. I’m happy.
“The manager knew what he was looking for and I’m glad I’m here.”
