Stoke manager Tony Pulis has expressed satisfaction with his side’s 3-0 win over Maccabi Haifa in the Europa League on Thursday night, but knows the return fixture in Israel will be a more difficult task.
The Potters had the game wrapped up by half-time, as Kenwyne Jones, Cameron Jerome and Ryan Shotton found the back of the net before the interval to give the Britannia Stadium something to shout about.
Despite Jerome being sent off for two bookable offences, Pulis was happy with the manner of the victory.
“I thought Cameron and Kenwyne were very good tonight,” he stated to Sky Sports.
“I was pleased with Shotton having played him wide for the first time – he looks like he has got goals in him and that was a good goal, I’m very pleased for the kid.
“I thought Salif Diao and Dean Whitehead controlled the midfield very well and we just looked a little bit brighter and sharper than Maccabi.
“We have still got to go there and they will be smarting after that.
“I watched them against Dynamo Kiev at their place and they were a different team to what they were tonight, so we know that will be tough.
“We also have to go to Besiktas, which will be tough as well, so it’s not all done by a long shot yet,” he concluded.
Stoke now face Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday in the Premier League, as they look to push on from the commanding European win.
By Gareth McKnight
Football News 24/7
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