Mark Hughes Hits out at Arsene Wenger in Stoke vs. Arsenal Post-Match Reaction
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has defended the style of his team after Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger accused the Potters of being "physical" and "direct" in their goalless Premier League encounter on Sunday.
Hughes denied his side used strong-arm tactics against the Gunners after Wenger described the game as being an "old-fashioned Stoke battle," per Dave Armitage of the Daily Star.
"I'm really not quite sure what game he was watching," Hughes said, also via Armitage. "I don't even know why the physical thing has been mentioned. There wasn't even a yellow card in the game."
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
Hughes continued his defence:
"We played the game in the right manner. I thought it was a game between two evenly matched sides and that says a lot about how far we have come. I'm sure Arsene and his team will be delighted to go home with a point. I thought it was a decent game and a draw was probably a fair result.
"
Wenger has previously berated Stoke for their style, branding them as a "rugby team," according to Armitage. His Gunners side struggled at the Britannia Stadium without Mesut Ozil, with Petr Cech denying the hosts from taking three points.
"They made it very physical," said the Arsenal boss, per Armitage. "They went for a very direct game. The crowd were up for it and the players were up for it so we had to show a physical response."
The 0-0 draw was enough to take Arsenal back to the top of the league after they were temporarily displaced by Leicester City. The north London giants lead by goal difference, with Manchester City only one point behind after their 4-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Cech has proved the difference for Arsenal this term, providing Wenger with a world-class option between the sticks.
The 33-year-old has claimed 10 clean sheets this season, according to Squawka, and he has already proved to be a shrewd purchase since his summer move from Chelsea.
It was a lacklustre display for Arsenal after a strong run of form. Journalist Piers Morgan questioned whether the Gunners really want to capture the title this year as other teams falter:
Stoke have always presented one of the toughest away days for the Premier League's elite sides, but they have added flair to their starting XI, making them a different type of opponent in 2016.
Wenger's assertion about physical tactics appear to be wide of the mark considering ex-boss Tony Pulis' side were overtly tough in combat compared to Hughes' squad.
The Potters were unlucky not to beat Arsenal on Sunday evening, and Wenger's men must play to a higher standard if they are to stay at the top of the league for the duration of the campaign.
City are kicking into gear with Sergio Aguero back to full fitness, and they will offer the league leaders a challenge in the second half of the campaign.
