The most recent hammering at White Hart Lane caps off an embarrassing record against clubs in the top six.
Stoke City were abysmal last weekend when they were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. The scoreline is enough to worry any manager, but what will be of more concern to boss Mark Hughes is further evidence of his side’s general inability to get results against teams at the top end of the table.
Although many of the league’s best cause Stoke City problems, it is Tottenham Hotspur who seem to have the Potters’ number right now.
That is now the third consecutive match that they have lost to the North London club 4-0. An embarrassing milestone for any side, let alone one that is aiming to establish themselves in the top half of the table.
What is it that makes The Potter’s so vulnerable to teams like Spurs?
Their fragile defence against the best in the division for one. The club has also conceded eight goals in fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City this season.
Simply put, Stoke City have to tighten up and raise their game to push on from where they are now. They cannot continue to brush aside most teams below and crumble when a big occasion presents itself. They are in danger of becoming a stagnant mid-table side, a crime that lost Tony Pulis his job.
In fairness to Mark Hughes he has changed the perception of the club from a solid but fundamentally basic outfit to one that has genuine footballing quality to call on. But whilst they are conceding so many goals in big games they will not reach the heights they want.
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