Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has hit back at suggestions from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that his side were “physical” and “very direct” on Sunday.
With both goalkeepers making crucial saves to ensure that the game ended in a goalless draw, Wenger had acknowledged prior to the meeting the fact that Stoke had changed their style of play since Hughes replaced Tony Pulis.
However, he conceded after the encounter that he expected them to play more of a passing game rather than resort back to their previous reputation. That suggestion didn’t sit well with Hughes who felt obliged to respond.
“I don’t think there was a yellow card, was there?” he asked Sky Sports.
“I don’t know why the physical aspect of the game needs to be mentioned. I thought it was a good football game, with both teams trying to win a key Premier League game. That’s certainly what we were doing.”
The Welsh tactician insisted that he was pleased with his players after they picked up another positive result against one of the top sides in the Premier League, having already defeated Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea this season.
As a result, Wenger will arguably believe that it is an important point for his side as they moved back top of the table on goal difference above Leicester City.
Nevertheless, the two dropped points means that Man City have been able to close the gap on the Gunners as they prepare to host Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday.