Mark Hughes has layed into his side following their dismal performance against an in-form Everton

The Potters were easily defeated by the visitors thanks to goals from Romelu Lukaku, Seamus Coleman and Aaron Lennon which sent Roberto Martinez's men up to seventh place in the Premier League

Hughes was visible frustrated when asked about his player's performances with his side not up the task of holding back the rampant Toffees

With no wins in their last four Premier League matches and having conceded nine goals in the process in a difficult spell, pressure is rising on the shoulders of the Welshman at the Britannia Stadium

Lack of creation is a concern

Seamus Coleman rise above two stoke defenders to score Everton's second in 3-0 win image | Photo: Getty
Seamus Coleman rises above two Stoke defenders to score Everton's second in 3-0 win image | Photo: Getty

When asked post-match, Hughes was fixated on his side's attacking ability and he said his side "huffed and puffed" but "did not really create" which the 52-year-old said was "a concern."

With his side now conceding nine in their last three league fixtures the manager was keen to comment on the "mistakes" his players made in "key times" which ultimately stopped his side from "recovering."

Following fixtures

Tough tests now await the side 11th in the Premier League in the form of Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle United and the Potters are seeking maximum points in a crucial period with season nearly falling into decay. 

Looking ahead to the next fixtures, Hughes said "We have to pick ourselves up" and "Start doing the fundamentals and basics". Therefore, with his side struggling to score goals as of late coupled with their defence experiencing an awful period, the former Manchester City manager has a difficult task at hand at finding his side's rhythm once more. 

Changes will likely be made when his side face Bournemouth on the eve of Valentines day which should be a less than romantic fixture. The Potters defeated the Cherries 2-1 the last time they in September when the newly promoted side were struggling to adapt to life in the top-tier.

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About the author
Joel Lampkin
Sports Journalist from Chester University, Professional wrestling writer. Contact [email protected]