Hughes praises Stoke and feels ‘better team lost’ at Anfield

Mark Hughes: Happy with his side's performance

Mark Hughes: Happy with his side's performance

Stoke boss Mark Hughes had nothing but praise for his players and suggested they were unfortunate not to edge out Liverpool in the Capital One Cup semi-finals.

The Reds progressed 6-5 on penalties after Marko Arnautovic’s first-half goal had pulled the sides level at 1-1 on aggregate over the two legs.

But Peter Crouch and Marc Muniesa missed from the spot and it was Liverpool who were left celebrating.

It was a double frustration for Hughes after the Potters registered their first win at Anfield since March 1959 after 36 previous failed attempts – but still could not celebrate.

“Hopefully we will get the credit we deserve,” he said.

“I am proud of what the players produced. To a man I can’t fault any of them.

“I can highlight Crouchie (Peter Crouch); I haven’t given him a great deal of football this year but I though he was great.

“In general play we got the goal which won us the game but not the tie; I think it was offside marginally but it was the least we deserved.

“We just couldn’t get that second goal and I think Liverpool would be honest to say they were grateful to get to penalties.

“You know when you get to a shoot-out there is a danger you may go out.

“I thought we were more likely to score but unfortunately we are not the ones going to Wembley.”