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James Crawley writes

Posted Sunday, September 20th 2020 @CrawleyJames92

Spirit the key for Moore

Sunday, September 20th 2020

A beaming Taylor Moore says the team’s spirit gives them the platform to believe they can compete with any opposition this season.

The centre-back was delighted with how his team-mates performed, to come away from the bet365 Stadium with all three points thanks to a solid defensive display behind Nahki Wells’ and Andreas Weimann’s decisive goals.

The display ensured a third clean sheet from four games in all competitions and was the latest encouraging performance as City maintained their 100% winning start to the 2020/21 season.

Moore said: “I’m very pleased, not only is it a win we’ve also managed a clean sheet today. Overall as a team we were excellent. In the first 15/20 minutes we took the game to Stoke and when they applied more pressure on us, we dealt with them fantastically.

“Credit to them in the second half for changing the way they played, they caused us more problems but we rose to the challenge and I’m really happy we kept a clean sheet today.”

“Everyone mentions ‘you can do it on a cold, rainy day in Stoke’ but we’re here on a sunny Sunday afternoon and it shows the spirit of this squad; we want to go and win every game no matter where it is. The manager was clear in the huddle before kick-off that we are here to win and believe in ourselves. It shows the spirit that even when it’s difficult at times we can rise above it and come away with wins.”

Dean Holden greets Taylor Moore at the end of the Stoke City win

Moore also believes in the squad’s depth and praised his fellow centre-backs Alfie Mawson and Zak Vyner. Across the squad, as was the messaging ahead of kick-off, the players are aware of the competition and talent available to Dean Holden’s disposal but that remains a healthy problem.

“Anyone who looks at our team will say we have depth and an incredible amount of talent. Alfie Mawson is a great addition to our squad, we know what he brings. He’s a fantastic character and player and we need that in the dressing room,” Moore added.

“Of course, there is competition but it’s healthy. We’re pushing each other to be the best we possibly can. There will be injuries, suspensions and transfers but we have to be 100% ready. Of course, we lost Tomas (Kalas), hopefully not for long and we kick on and keep the clean sheets.”

And on partnering alongside Vyner, who progressed through City’s Academy, Moore continued: “Both of us are enjoying being part of it again this season. We’ve been on various loans but we’re back home, we feel good and we want to kick on. We’re playing together which is something we haven’t done for years and we’re really enjoying it.

“We have good relationship on and off the pitch but it’s all about playing with a smile on your face, especially winning away from home it means that little bit more.”

City face Aston Villa next in the Carabao Cup Round 3 at Ashton Gate on Thursday, September 24th (7pm KO).

Watch in full: Taylor Moore post-Stoke City (A)

Fans in the UK will be able to watch the match against the Villans on the competition’s official streaming site – Carabao Cup Live – for just £10.

Due to the opposition being in the Premier League rather than the English Football League, Robins TV is unable to stream this game, but is available to supporters on Carabao Cup Live.