<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/mark-hughes.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-96958" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2014/03/mark-hughes-600x400-600x400.webp" alt="mark-hughes" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></figure></div></a>
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/22/previewing-the-eagerly-anticipated-film-marvellous/">Stoke City</a> have had a mixed beginning to the 2014-15 Premier League season and have posted mixed results since the start on the campaign. With one win, two draws and two losses, the Potters are perched in 13th spot on the log.
The highlight of their campaign thus far certainly has to be the 1-0 victory against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/24/premier-league-tactics-corner-round-5/">Manchester City</a> at the Etihad. Mark Hughes’ men had come into that game as overwelming underdogs following a poor start to the season, but they shocked the champions on their home turf with Mame Biram Diouf netting the solitary goal.
That win was supposed to kick start their season but for some reason, they have been unable to replicate their performance against City, and subsequently succumbed to a home loss to Leicester before dropping two points against QPR on Saturday.
The Team
Stoke City did some good business in the transfer window bringing in a couple of players including Steve Sidwell and Phil Bardsley from Fulham and Sunderland respectively, before securing Victor Moses and Oussama Assaidi on loan.
Perhaps more surprising is the capture of Barcelona academy graduate Bojan Kirkic. The 24-year-old has not hit the ground running for the Potters so far, but the signs are there that he could come good as the season progresses.
One player who has started in impressive fashion is Diouf who was signed from Hannover on a free transfer. The Senegalese has scored twice already including the winner against City and another against Rangers on Saturday.
With these acquisitions, it is fair to say Mark Hughes has done his best to improve the fortunes of his side. Mame Diouf and Bojan should solve the goal scoring problem from last season while Moses and Assaidi will add much needed pace and creativity on the flanks.
However, two areas where they failed to strengthen are at centre-back and central midfield. Ryan Shawcross, Robert Huth and Marco Muniesa are their only senior central defenders, while Stoke also lack a good creative midfielder.
The side’s inability to get in behind defences is a major worry and as evidenced against Leicester, they can’t seem to get a lot of meaningful attempts on goal and are useless from set-pieces.
Injury Concerns: The Potters have concerns over Jonathan Walters (calf) and Arnautovic (foot), while Peter Odemwingie faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee against Manchester City.
The Manager
Mark Hughes must take responsibility for his side’s poor form as his selections have been questionable in recent weeks. One such example is when he played Jon Walters on the flanks against Leicester who was absolutely useless in attack, instead of a proper winger like Marko Arnautovic or Assaidi. The result was that Hughes’ side was unable to create anything from the flanks and mustered just three shots on target.
Best Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters; Nzonzi,Whelan, Diouf, Adam, Moses, Crouch.
Overall team rating (out of 5 stars): 2.5/5.

Stoke City's August-September Progress Report

Stoke City's August-September Progress Report - World Soccer Talk

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Stoke City's August-September Progress Report