Stoke boss Hughes backs Chelsea

Stoke boss Mark Hughes believes Chelsea will be crowned champions largely because of their ability to see out close games.

The former Chelsea player was asked if his side’s 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge had been to the likely Premier League winners.

And he replied: “Yes, I think so, because of their ability to see games out.

“More often than not, when they get in a winning position, it’s very difficult to overcome them. They stop momentum, control fouls and can break the game up to protect leads.”

Stoke drew level just before half-time courtesy of a sensational goal from Charlie Adam, who scored with a left-footed strike from inside his own half.

“It was a fantastic goal from Charlie. At the time I wasn’t quite sure what he was attempting, but it became very clear with the flight of the ball,” Hughes said.

“It’s great technical ability to be able to direct the ball like that. But Charlie has that. He’s the best striker of the ball we have at the club.

“He attempts similar things in training. I don’t think he’s been able to replicate that in training but it’s better to do it in a game.

“It’s fantastic vision and technical ability. To beat a goalkeeper of [Thibaut] Courtois’ ability like that takes some doing.”

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