Mark Hughes: 'Stoke City need winning run'

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 25 February 2014

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes wants his side to copy the example set by West Ham and go on a winning run that takes them clear of Premier League relegation trouble.

Mark Hughes has urged his Stoke City players to copy West Ham United's example of going on a winning streak which takes them clear of relegation trouble.

The Potters find themselves 15th in the Premier League table, only three points clear of safety, despite toppling Manchester United and Chelsea this season.

West Ham were in an even more perilous position a month ago, but have since reeled off four victories in a row to climb into the top half, and Hughes wants Stoke to do something similar by beating the teams around them.

"We seem to enjoy the challenge of going up against so-called bigger and better teams," Hughes told The Stoke Sentinel

"We've gone to Anfield and only conceded one goal and played Man City twice and only conceded one goal. We were organised, resolute and full of character.

"What we have got to do now is go up against teams around us and take maximum points. What it takes is a number of back-to-back wins. West Ham have had four in a row and it takes them out of it somewhat. That's what we need to do."

Stoke host Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon.