Stoke 2-0 Burnley: Three things we learnt

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Stoke are resurgent

On September 18, Stoke City supporters witnessed a dismal performance as their side capitulated at Selhurst Park in a 4-1 defeat that left them stranded to the foot of the table.

The Potters had failed to win any of their opening five fixtures, had conceded 12 goals and scored just once from open play – relegation looked a realistic threat and there were calls from some fans to see a change in manager. Fortunately for Mark Hughes, and for the club in general, the board decided to maintain their faith in the Welshman who had guided them to three consecutive top-half finishes.

Since the defeat in London, Stoke have been resurgent. They have lost just one of their last nine Premier League matches, have kept four clean sheets in the process and only Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have picked up more points over the same period.

Victory over Burnley demonstrated the all-round improvement in the current Stoke City side since mid-September. In the first half The Potters producing some exhilarating, flowing football that resulted in two fine goals to give them the lead.

Jonathan Walters’ deft volley was sublime, as was Marc Muniesa’s finish which provided a worthy culmination after a wonderful passing move. In the second period the hosts were forced to show their defensive resilience as Burnley began throwing bodies and long balls into the box in a desperate attempt to find a way back into the game.

High quality football and defensive solidarity – those are the kind of things that give team’s a chance of European football.