Potters boss disappointed by refereeing decision in build-up to first West Ham goal
Sunday 2 November 2014 09:09, UK
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes was left scratching his head after seeing his ‘far superior’ side surrender a two-goal lead against West Ham at the Britannia.
The Potters looked to be coasting to victory as goals from Victor Moses and Mame Biram Diouf gave them a 2-0 lead. But the visitors battled back with efforts from Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing to deny Hughes victory on his 51st birthday.
“It was a game we should have won comprehensively,” the Stoke manager told Sky Sports.
“We are scratching our heads wondering how we haven’t got maximum points, in the end we have taken a draw from a game we should have won easily.
“We were by far the superior team on the day. West Ham probably had two strikes on goal and scored twice, credit to them for that, but we should have won that game comfortably by the manner of our performance and the chances we created.”
Diouf spurned a couple of excellent opportunities to add to Stoke’s tally as he failed to beat Adrian late in the first half and then headed wide from a great position after West Ham made it 2-1.
Hughes was also frustrated that referee Chris Foy did not stop play before West Ham’s first goal when Alex Song appeared to dive in for a tackle on Diouf.
“It’s a two-footed lunge,” said Hughes. “At that stage of proceedings you want the referee to stamp down on those kind of challenges and give the message that it’s not acceptable so you stop play and either book the guy or send him off for dangerous play.
“Thankfully he didn’t catch him because if he did it would have been a bad challenge and we might be paying the consequences of it. Why Chris Foy thinks we have gained an advantage from the situation I have no idea. We are disappointed with that because from that missed free-kick they go up the other end and get the opening goal.”
Hughes, though, was buoyed by the displays of Bojan Krkic and Victor Moses, both of whom were brilliant for the hosts.
“I felt Bojan benefitted from the game on Wednesday night, he looked strong and inventive,” said Hughes. “That’s why we want him on the pitch and why we bought him to the club. Everyone saw what he can produce for us, he will get better and stronger and it was really encouraging the amount of quality he produced.
“Victor has been doing that since he has come here. I’m pleased he got on the scoresheet, his performance deserved a goal.”
