Hughes needs to box clever
PROBLEMS in the penalty area are fast becoming the theme of Stoke’s season.
For the second week running, Mark Hughes’s side were controversially adjudged to have flouted the new rules on contact in the area.
On Saturday, Phil Bardsley was ruled to have tripped Ashley Williams at a corner to present Everton with their winning penalty. Leighton Baines’ spot-kick was pushed onto the post by Shay Given but the rebound struck the goalkeeper and bounced in.
And Hughes could be in for a long campaign unless he finds striking reinforcements before the window closes, having been unable to seal a deal for West Brom’s Saido Berahino.
“We are hopeful,” said Hughes. “We are in the market like everyone else. Some have gone away and some have come back. It may resolve itself prior to the last day, but it could go to the last minutes.”
Everton maintained their unbeaten start to the season under Ronald Koeman, who has implemented some subtle changes since replacing Roberto Martinez. “I don’t think we are playing the ball around as much as we did in our own half but we are still playing decent football,” said captain Phil Jagielka.
Everton’s James McCarthy has told Koeman he wishes to leave, with champions Leicester keen to buy him. Sunderland and Newcastle also want the £20million-rated midfielder. EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg 7; Holgate 7, Jagielka 6, Williams 6, Baines 8; Gueye 7, Barry 7; Bolasie 6 (Davies 88), Barkley 6 (Funes Mori 84), Mirallas 7 (Kone 70, 6); Lukaku 6. Booked: Barkley, Barry.
Goal: Given 51 og. NEXT UP: Sunderland (a), Sep 12 PL.
STOKE (4-1-4-1): Given 7; Bardsley 6, Shawcross 6, Cameron 6, Pieters 6; Whelan 6; Diouf 6 (Sobhi 78), Allen 6, Imbula 6 (Bojan 78), Arnautovic 6; Crouch 6 (Walters 65, 6). Booked: Pieters. NEXT UP: Tottenham (h), Sep 10 PL.
Referee: M Oliver (N’thumberland).