Sparky & Co missing the groove

MARK HUGHES has, by common consent, put together the strongest squad of players in Stoke’s history.

Unfortunately for the Potters, any early optimism was shattered by an awful opening to the campaign – going seven matches without a win.

Former Wales manager Hughes has Peter Coates, one of the most experienced men in football, overseeing matters at the Bet365 Stadium.

But the sight of his club propping up the Premier League after the October international break, still waiting for their first victory of the season, would have been painful. A win over Sunderland came just in time.

That said, the club have steadily found their feet and, barring tricky trips to Stamford Bridge and Anfield during the next week, are on course for another solid campaign.

Hughes admits his teams play better during the second half of the season.

There was a hangover from the Euros as far as a couple of his players were concerned, particularly Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian signed a new deal but has struggled to recapture the form of 12 months ago where he shook off that “bad boy” tag.

Injuries, too, have played a part. Influential skipper Ryan Shawcross has missed a chunk of the action already. Goalkeeper Jack Butland is another whose absence has been felt.

The arrival of Bruno Martins Indi (below) has been more successful than that of £18million midfielder Giannelli Imbula. Joe Allen looks to have found