Year after year Stoke City have failed to justify their status in the upper echelons of the Premier League and this season has been the same. The Potters have endured a difficult season as they have finished in a disappointing 13th position, same as last year. Mark Hughes’ execution of his long-term plan saw another failure and time is running out for him. They might have settled for a 10th consecutive Premier League season for them but that doesn’t count as an achievement.
None of the players performed as per their capability and added to that was Mark Hughes’ poor handling of the team. Apart from two draws against Manchester United, their record against the top six teams was very bad and this is the area other mid table teams have outscored them. If you need to be in the top half of the table you have to grind out a couple of results against teams like Chelsea, Arsenal and United.
Stars
Bruno Martins Indi
Definitely the performer of the season for the Potters. He arrived on loan from Porto and gave a solid performance in the Potters backline. Martins Indi’s aerial ability and stability on the ball was the focal point of the season especially when every other defender had a horrific time. The Potters need reinforcements in this area and they are trying very hard to sign him permanently.
Lee Grant
Probably the best player for the Potters in the middle of the season. Hughes understood that he needed a proper shot stopper as Jakob Haugaard is not up to Premier League standards. The presence of Lee Grant inspired the Stoke defence into a much more convincing setup as he led from the back. The 33-year-old got a new lease of life and he should be thankful to Hughes for giving him the chance.
Joe Allen
A long and hectic season has come to an end and to be honest they don’t have too many special moments to remember from this season. The only eventful thing was Joe Allen’s goal against Manchester United at the Old Trafford. Hughes deployed him a bit advanced role this season and the Welsh midfielder has thrived big time.
Duds
Wilfried Bony
Bony was brought on loan from Manchester City as Hughes was searching for a prolific goal scorer who could be the answer to his issues up front. Bony arrived and he even showed early promise by scoring a brace against Swansea. But that happened to be an illusion as the ex-Swansea front man has been pathetic throughout the season.
Saido Berahino
Alongside Bony, Berahino also featured on this list. Berahino almost forced a move from West Bromwich Albion but his season finished in tatters as in all the games he played for the Potters, he has failed to net for a single time.
Giannelli Imbula
When a club is paying £18 m for you, they will have certain expectations from him. Imbula proved to be a big disaster and is the flop of the season.
