Hughes: We’re at next level

MARK HUGHES believes his swashbuckling side are redefining the public’s perception of Stoke City — and taking the club to new heights. The Welshman has ushered in an era of entertainment at the Britannia Stadium and with the Potters set to record their best ever Premier League points tally Hughes believes his easier-onthe-eye methods have been vindicated. ‘I thought maybe we needed to change and play in a different way if we wanted to go to the next level,’ Hughes said after goals from Charlie Adam, Steven Nzonzi and Mame Biram Diouf saw off a disengaged Tottenham. ‘There’s a way of playing that will get you in the Premier League and keep you in the Premier League but if you want to go a little bit higher you have to change and try something a little bit different. ‘That’s what we’ve done and for the most part it’s worked.’ Spurs were awful and left many wondering if they were doing their best to avoid qualifying for the energy-sapping Europa League. Even striker Harry Kane was at a loss to explain their poor run. ‘It’s hard to say really,’ the 21-year-old said. ‘Sometimes it doesn’t go your way. It’s about how you react.’

SUPER STAT: The Potters have only lost once all season in the Premier League after scoring first — a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace at home in March. STOKE CITY (4-2-3-1): Butland 7; Cameron 7, Shawcross 7, Muniesa 7, Pieters 6.5; Whelan 6.5 (Sidwell 88), Nzonzi 7; Walters 6.5 (Odemwingie 83), Adam 7.5 (Ireland 73, 6), Arnautovic 8; Diouf 8. Subs not used: Sorenson, Bardsley, Crouch, Wollscheid. Scorers: Adam 21, Nzonzi 32, Diouf 86. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-2–3-1): Lloris 7; Dier 5.5, Fazio 5.5, Chiriches 4, Vertonghen 6; Mason 5.5, Benteleb 6; Chadli 5 (Soldado 61, 5), Eriksen 6.5, Lamela 5.5 (Dembele 76); Kane 5.5. Subs not used: Vorm, Rose, Yedlin, Townsend, Stambouli. Sent off: Chiriches. Man of the match: Marko Arnautovic. Referee: Mark Clattenburg 6.