Hughes: Stoke in relegation danger

Mark Hughes admits Stoke City are not safe from relegation just yet after his side suffered a fourth defeat on the spin, causing them to look nerveless over their shoulder.

Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino scored the decisive goals as Liverpool won 2-1 at the bet365 Stadium, after Jonathan Walters gave Stoke the lead.

It was a vastly improved display from the Potters, who have also lost to Chelsea, Leicester City and Burnley in this worrying run.

Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images

Next, they host strugglers Hull City – who have clambered out of the drop zone under manager Marco Silva, but have a poor away record.

And Hughes knows Stoke need to reach that magical 40-point mark quickly to ease fans’ fears before they can look up the table and start thinking about a fourth consecutive top-ten finish.

“We need more points on the board, that’s clear,” Hughes said.

“We have got a huge game next week here again and we need to get the job done. We knew we had to get through this period and hopefully get a decent return – and we haven’t quite managed that.

“Performances have been ok, but details is where were are falling down.”