Premier League: Mark Hughes praises Stoke City after victory at Tottenham

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes believes his side fully deserved their victory at Tottenham and praised their versatility in a game which saw them lose half of their back four in the opening exchanges.

Jonathan Walters’ close-range finish on 33 minutes doubled the visitors’ advantage after Bojan Krkic’s brilliant individual effort after five minutes had given the Potters an early lead.

Spurs, who missed a number of goalscoring opportunities in the first half, grabbed a lifeline 13 minutes from time, as Nacer Chadli rifled home a tight, angled volley to give his side a chance.

But Kyle Naughton’s instant dismissal, for a professional foul on Victor Moses, ensured Stoke would leave White Hart Lane with the three points their performance warranted.

Satisfaction

And Hughes was quick to praise his side for their efforts which lifted the club above Sunday’s opponents in the Premier League standings.

“I thought from start to finish we were the most accomplished side. I thought tactically we were spot on and made it very difficult for Spurs to create any worthwhile chances to be perfectly honest,” he told Sky Sports.

“We were always a threat on the break. We’ve got great ability in forward areas this season and that came to the fore and I’m really delighted for the guys.

From start to finish we were the most accomplished side. Tactically, we were spot on and made it very difficult for Spurs to create any worthwhile chances to be perfectly honest.

"We had a little bit of a setback last week when we had a 2-0 scoreline that we didn’t protect but I never felt today that it was ever really in any danger. 

“They got one back with a great strike but I always felt there were more goals in us and, all in all, it’s a very satisfying performance.”

Stoke were forced into a two early changes at White Hart Lane, after Phil Bardsley, who had just returned from suspension, and Marc Wilson were sidelined through injury inside the opening 25 minutes.

Work ethic

But with substitutes Geoff Cameron and Marc Muniesa effortlessly slotting into the Stoke back four, Hughes explained the club could cope with an injury crisis such as those experienced at Tottenham - citing his squad's versatility as evidence of this.

“Well I think it shows and illustrates the strength in depth we have, but it also shows the character and the work ethic of those who are out of the team,” Hughes added.

“If they’re not in the team they’re working hard every single day in training and, as a consequence, when they’re called upon they can come in and have an impact.
 
“It’s as if we haven’t missed anyone, even though we’ve lost two key senior players in the opening exchanges. So I’m delighted for the squad as a whole because that shows we’re going to need everybody this year. It’s a long hard season and everybody understands that now, I hope.”

Summer acquisition Bojan opened the scoring and his account for the club at Spurs with a low drive past an unsighted Hugo Lloris. And Hughes believes there is more to come from the £3million arrival from Barcelona.

“He was doing that all in pre-season and it looked like the Premier League shocked him a little so we had to bide out time and introduce him more slowly,” Hughes said.

“We always thought it would take a little bit of time[to settle] but he’s had the benefit of working day-in-day-out with the guys and we’re three or four months into the season and he’s ready. I think he showed what technical ability he has today and the reason why we brought him here.”