Sunderland 1 Stoke 0: Hughes hails ‘magnificent’ Potters despite loss
Sunderland 1 Stoke 0: Mark Hughes felt his side were "magnificent" despite a narrow loss at Stadium of Light
Mark Hughes felt his “absolutely magnificent” Stoke City side were unfortunate to lose after Sunderland edged past 10-man Potters and out of the relegation zone.
In-form Black Cats winger Adam Johnson scored his sixth goal of the season to break the deadlock in the 17th minute after Asmir Begovic failed to parry Sebastian Larsson’s shot to safety.
The effort and desire to try to get back on level terms was outstanding
Mark Hughes
The Potters were dealt a blow eight minutes into the second half when Steven N’Zonzi was dismissed for a second bookable offence, and despite shading possession, Stoke were unable to find an equaliser.
“I thought the lads were absolutely magnificent today,” Hughes told BBC Sport.
“Sunderland had 10 to 15 minutes in the first half when we conceded and they had a lot of possession, but I thought from that point onwards we were magnificent, and with 10 men.
“The effort and desire to try to get back on level terms was outstanding.
“Unfortunately at the moment we are getting decisions against us, and we are disappointed again by the referee’s decision. We feel the lad went down too easily, it is difficult for referees, he has bought it. But it is very harsh on us.”
