Defensive frailties holding back Hughes’ Potters

Mark Hughes insists Stoke City’s style of defending must improve if they are to battle with the Premier League’s elite over the course of a season.

The Potters were the latest recipients of a rampant Chelsea on New Year’s Eve, with Willian’s double the main instigator in an eighth defeat of the Premier League season for Hughes and co.

That was despite his side holding their own for large parts of the contest, with Bruno Martins Indi and Peter Crouch on the scoresheet, twice fighting back from being a goal down.

But defensive lapses at the wrong moments left the manager with mixed emotions at the final whistle, pleased with his side’s endeavour while ruing a lack of solidity at the back.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“We caused them problems once again and were very much in the game,” he said.

“Teams have struggled to score goals at Stamford Bridge and although we found ourselves behind on a couple of occasions we showed real belief and courage to get back into the game.

“Some teams come here, go 1-0 down and can’t see a way back into the game but that wasn’t the case for us.

“Overall we played well but we can’t go on defending the way we have done in recent weeks. As soon as we eradicate that from our game we’ll be okay.”