Tony Pulis has expressed the importance of his side retaining their Premier League status this season.

Today's 3-1 home defeat against Aston Villa has left Pulis's team just four points above the drop zone with six matches left to play.

"We are disappointed. I thought we started well and the first time they get in our box they score. From that point onwards Villa created the better chances in the game," he told BBC Sport.

"It is important we stay in the Premier League. We need a point a game and it is important the lads stay confident.

"We have [Manchester] United, Tottenham [Hotspur], Norwich [City] at home and then tough games away from home too. We have played well away so it is a good test for everyone at the football club now."

Next up for Stoke is a home match against league leaders Manchester United.