Stoke 0-0 Southampton: Three things we learnt

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Hughes hits the 400 mark

Mark Hughes appeared delighted with the effort and performance produced by his players on Wednesday evening, but the Welshman’s 400^th game as a Premier League manager will not last long in the memory.

However, Hughes has joined an elite group of managers that have successfully racked up 400 top-flight games on the touchline which includes the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Bobby Robson and Joe Mercer. The 52-year-old is one of a dying breed of British managers who operate consistently in the Premier League and he has gradually rebuilt his managerial pedigree and reputation at Stoke following a dismal stint in charge of Queens Park Rangers. His current success in North Staffordshire is probably equal to his achievements at Blackburn, Fulham and Manchester City.

Hughes, who is now in his fourth season with The Potters, has secured three consecutive top-ten finishes, came within a penalty shoot-out of reaching the League Cup final last year, and his re-moulded Stoke into an exciting footballing team. Where once Stoke were perceived as long-ball merchants and set-piece experts, he has now developed the side into a fluent possession-based team that possess some of the most exciting attacking players in the Premier League. Marko Arnautovic (when not sent off), Xherdan Shaqiri and Bojan are just three examples of the new breed of player that Hughes has attracted to the club in recent seasons.

Stoke look set to finish in the top-half of the Premier League once more this year, and Hughes will be hoping that he can see out another 400 games as manager before he hits retirement.

Featured Image: All Rights Reserved Thomas Haumer (Thomas Haumer)