Shaqiri’s 30-yard screamer seals deal for Potters

XHERDAN Shaqiri’s technical prowess earned Stoke boss Mark Hughes’ praise, as did the dependability of Jonathan Walters and Peter Crouch after all three starred in the 3-1 victory over Hull.

The Potters’ four-game losing streak was halted with a win which moved them 11 points above the relegation zone.

The Tigers are still just two clear of it as they again emerged from an away game empty-handed.

They were on course for a point when Harry Maguire levelled following Marko Arnautovic’s early opener - but Hughes introduced Walters and Crouch around the hour mark and the two soon combined to restore the Potters’ lead with a trademark header from the former England international.

Another customary strike from Shaqiri sealed the three points 10 minutes from time as the Swiss unleashed a 30-yard attempt which flew into the top corner of the net to leave Hughes gushing about his forward’s ability.

He said: “The icing on the cake was Shaqiri’s goal which was a fantastic strike and capped off a really good individual performance.”

Hughes’ decision to withdraw Saido Berahino was jeered by the Potters’ support yet his call was soon vindicated once his replacement Crouch had risen to meet Walters’ cross.

Swansea’s defeat at Watford meant it was as you were in terms of the table and the gap to the bottom three, Tigers’ boss Marco Silva adamant his team need to be ruthless if they are to pick up points.

He sdaid: “The difference is clear to me – it is the finishing.” Xherdan Shaqiri of Stoke City celebrates