Premier League: Stoke boss Mark Hughes credits Arsenal and striker Alexis Sanchez

Stoke boss Mark Hughes felt his side were well below par as they were undone by the brilliance of Alexis Sanchez and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Sanchez delivered a majestic display as the Gunners closed the gap in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory.

Defeat for the Potters left them in the bottom half of the table after heading into the clash on a three-game unbeaten run, including a draw at home to Manchester United.

They were a little bit sharper and quicker in their work and obviously we gave them a good start so you know that's going to make it a difficult day for you.

"I have to admit, credit to Arsenal," Hughes told Sky Sports. "They were a little bit sharper and quicker in their work and obviously we gave them a good start so you know that's going to make it a difficult day for you.

"In the first half we really didn't get close enough to Arsenal so we needed to be better in all aspects of our play today just to give ourselves a chance.

"Our levels were lower than they have been in recent weeks and as a consequence Arsenal were able to take the game quite easily away from us.

"On a day when there weren't too many positives for us I thought (new loan signing) Philipp (Wollscheid) did really well.

"I thought he aquitted himself really well and he'll get better. He needed to obviously experience the Premier League so he's done that now. He'll get stronger and understand what's required from him.

"All day he (Alexis Sanchez) was a threat. He's a quality player - an expensive one so you get what you pay for."