Stoke continues strong run
Jonathan Walters and Marc Muniesa goals proved decisive as Stoke City continued its good run of form with a 2-0 win over Burnley.
Stoke City's recent resurgence continued with a fifth Premier League win in seven as Mark Hughes's men comfortably beat Burnley 2-0 at bet365 Stadium on Sunday (AEDT).
Hughes found himself under pressure earlier in the season after losing four in a row, but the club's patience is now paying dividends as it built on last week's strong 1-0 win at Watford with another impressive display to leave Stoke with just one defeat in nine.
Although the visitors started with purpose, Stoke soon seized control of proceedings and went ahead through Jonathan Walters's fine 20th-minute finish.
Stoke deservedly doubled its advantage before the break, with Marc Muniesa rounding off a flowing move to score his first Premier League goal for the club.
Burnley became more of a threat in the second half, but Bruno Martins Indi and Muniesa were in fine form at the back for Stoke, letting very little past.
Sensing it had already done enough for the win, Stoke showed no attacking intent towards the end and its defensive solidity proved enough to take it on to 19 points and into the top half of the table, while Burnley remains with just a point away from home this season.
Burnley initially gave no indication that it was affected by its woeful away form, although Stoke did gradually take control after Martins Indi headed Xherdan Shaqiri's corner onto the post in the 10th minute.
But there was no such luck for Burnley 10 minutes later.
Makeshift wing-back Mame Biram Diouf, who was this week likened to Brazil legend Cafu by Muniesa, did well on the right, playing a swift one-two with Shaqiri before crossing for Walters to finish deftly past Paul Robinson at the near post.
Marko Arnautovic was making a nuisance of himself out on the left and it came as no surprise to see him inspire Stoke's second 10 minutes before the interval.
The Austrian breezed past Jon Flanagan with a step over and cut he ball back towards the penalty spot, where Muniesa was waiting to provide a clinical finish to a move he started with a driving run.
Burnley produced an improved display after the break and was angry in the 54th minute when Muniesa fouled Andre Gray when he was through on goal and only received a yellow card.
Stoke should have finished Burnley off 13 minutes later, however, as substitute Joe Allen – returning from a one-match suspension – shot straight at Robinson after great work by Arnautovic on the left.
Burnley almost pulled one back six minutes from the end to force a nervous finish, but Lee Grant did well to push Gray's effort around the post and Stoke cruised over the line to secure back-to-back wins.
