Stoke Fan View: Gutless performance sees us looking at worse points tally since promotion

There was no belief from minute one

Our performance in a match fans consider a rivalry was spineless. The players from when the match begun were second to every ball and looked uninterested, a sorry sight to see from the stands as the lack of commitment bewildered all of us.

Apart from a ten minute spell after Crouch’s goal there was nothing to get excited about, as our attacks consistently faded out. If it wasn’t for some good saves by Jack and a bit of help from the woodwork it honestly could’ve been much worse as Arsenal for 80 minutes of the game found it far to easy to break us down and halt our attacks.

Given the rivalry between Stoke and Arsenal fans this performance was inexcusable. To let in four goals in the manner that we did was tough to take. Mark Hughes really has seemed to run out of ideas with this side as fans are increasingly growing in frustration towards the manager.

Why do we consistently play the same lethargic midfield?

Watching our midfield labour around the pitch against Arsenal was painful. Persisting with an ageing Glenn Whelan against a team who move the ball as quickly as Arsenal, it was never going to be successful. With players like Imbula waiting in the ranks you have to question why the manager consistently selects players who aren’t right fits.

Joe Allen playing in the ten role is another area of the pitch that obviously doesn’t work. It would make sense to play Shaqiri in that role, a role he has played for previous domestic sides. He offers creativity out wide and with him playing more centrally it would enable Ramadan to come into the side and offer a more potent attacking threat.

A huge season for Hughes and the club next year

In the wake of Hughes being publicly backed by chairman Peter Coates, he is approaching the biggest transfer window in his managerial career. With his recent signings being hugely unsuccessful, Hughes will have to get it spot on in order to keep his position as manager of the club, safe.

After a season in which our points tally looks to be at an all time Premier League low for the club, it is crucial the right investment is made to drastically improve this squad. After this horrendous performance against Arsenal, a large portion of fans who were undecided on whether they wanted Hughes to leave or not, quickly made up their minds.

Hughes needs to get a good performance off the players in the clash against Southampton, otherwise even more fans will likely turn on him.