West Brom 1-0 Stoke: Tony Pulis delighted to earn victory against former club

Tony Pulis hailed his side for earning a 1-0 victory over Stoke, but felt West Brom should have won by a greater margin.

The Baggies were rarely troubled as they earned three points which means they now sit comfortably in eighth in the table.

James Morrison's strike in the sixth minute was enough in the end, but the hosts missed plenty of chances to grab a second, which tainted the victory slightly for Pulis.

"It was a big game for us," Pulis told Sky Sports. "They are very close in the table. If you look at their squad, they have so much depth, which makes it a really good result for us.

"I thought we played really well. The worst thing about the first half was the half-time whistle. We should have come in at half-time three or four goals in front. We had fantastic opportunities. We have just got to be a bit calmer. They only had two chances.

The former Potters boss, who angered his counterpart by not shaking Mark Hughes' hand after the match, reserved special praise for his men down the left flank, a new signing and the man spearheading the Baggies attack.

"The way [Chris Brunt, [Nacer] Chadli and [James] Morrison linked up down the left was fantastic," Pulis added. "Soloman [Rondon] lead the line brilliantly and we are desperate for him to score a goal.

"[Jake] Livermore came in and was fantastic, especially second half when we looked a little tired.

"Stoke had a home game in midweek, while we had to travel up to Middlesbrough, and it seemed to take its toll on the players."