We controlled match and deserved victory – Hughes

Mark Hughes: Felt Stoke deserved their win at Aston Villa

Mark Hughes: Felt Stoke deserved their win at Aston Villa

Stoke boss Mark Hughes praised his side’s performance as well as matchwinner Marko Arnautovic in the 1-0 win at Aston Villa.

After a slow start to the season, the Potters have now claimed back-to-back wins – and Hughes felt the victory at Villa Park was no less than what his side deserved.

“I was pleased with what we produced, it was a performance that we have been looking for,” he said. “The first half was some of the best stuff we have played in terms of controlling the game.

“In the second half, we knew they would come at us, but we defended really well.”

 

“I thought Marko Arnautovic was excellent today, offensively and defensively. He puts a shift in. It wasn’t an easy chance, but thankfully he took it.

“It would have been hard to take had we not taken maximum points today, but we have a lot of time to prepare for the next game at Swansea.”

Arnautovic added: “We had a difficult time in the first games but we picked it up and have started winning.

“We did things right today and are happy with the victory. The team played well and worked very hard and I am happy.”

Stoke playmaker Bojan took to Twitter to celebrate the win, the Spaniard posting this snap from the dressing room after the game.

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