Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has suggested that the Potters have lacked a bit of luck in the Premier League this season.
The Staffordshire-based side have encountered a difficult start to the season which has included games with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, and Hughes takes his team into Saturday's clash with Southampton in 16th place in the standings.
However, Hughes has said that he is taking the positives from Stoke's performances ahead of welcoming the Saints to the bet365 Stadium.
The 53-year-old told reporters: "For long periods we were very much in the game against Chelsea. We needed a few things to go for us which didn't unfortunately.
"I don't think our current position truly reflects how well we've performed against some tough opposition at the start of the season.
"Saturday will be a difficult game but given what we've faced so far at home it's one we can look forward to and enjoy."
Stoke's only victory of the top-flight campaign has been a 1-0 success over Arsenal in the middle of August.
Darren Plant
