Hugill warned about dramatics by Pulis
Tony Pulis praised Jordan Hugill for his tireless performance against Stoke – but warned the striker he must stop going to ground so easily.
Boro stayed third in the Championship following their goalless stalemate at the bet365 Stadium – the Teessiders’ third league draw in a row.
Hugill, 26, was preferred to Britt Assombalonga up front, but squandered the best chance of the game when he was sent through on goal in the second half.
Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland denied the striker but despite the missed opportunity, Pulis was pleased with how Hugill led the line and brought others into play.
However, the Boro boss wasn’t impressed with another part of Hugill’s game, and told the striker to cut out the dramatics.
“I don’t like all that nonsense, that’s got to stop and he’ll know that now,” said Pulis after the match. “I’ve had a chat with Jordan.” “I thought Jordan went down far, far too easily a couple of times. I don’t want that as a manager, that’s not right. “We’ve sorted that out after the game. I think he went down twice dramatically. I don’t like all that nonsense, that’s got to stop and he’ll know that now.
“But I thought he worked really tirelessly up front. He gave us a great platform to play off.”
Stoke dominated possession for most of the contest but couldn’t find a way to breach Boro’s well-drilled rearguard.
The Teessiders were missing defensive stalwart Daniel Ayala through suspension, but his replacement Danny Batth produced a man of the match performance to keep the Potters out, including two crucial last-ditch blocks.