Stoke City 0 Sunderland 0: Pulis pleased by response to Man Utd loss

Tony Pulis praised Stoke City’s reaction to last weekend’s loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford after securing a point in a stalemate with Sunderland.

Stoke were fortunate to avoid a penalty decision when centre-half Robert Huth appeared to handle Steven Fletcher’s shot.

The Potters lost Republic of Ireland defender Mark Wilson to a broken leg in the second half, but overall, Pulis as pleased with his side’s performance at the Britannia Stadium.

“I think a big thing is that having gone to Manchester United and defended so poorly last week [in a 4-2 defeat], we actually looked really solid,” said Pulis.

“I don’t think Asmir Begovic has had a shot to save. So that has been a bonus, but we just need a break in front of goal.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill admitted Stoke defender Huth would have been unfortunate if referee Mark Halsey had penalised him for the hand ball claim.

“I’ve seen it back briefly (the penalty appeal). The truth is, I thought if it had been given against us, I might have been none too pleased.

“I think he has tried to keep his arm there, although if it misses him, it is in the net. I’m not sure it was a deliberate handball.”

“It was a difficult game played in difficult enough conditions, with the wind swirling around.

“We have drawn a lot of games this season and we are just unable at the moment to turn one or two of those draws into victories.”

Open a bet365 account with £10 or more and you'll get a free bet of up to £200 on us. Click here for more information.

Like The Sport Review on Facebook:

Read more on: martin o'neill, Premier League, robert huth, stoke city, sunderland, tony pulis.