Stoke City have almost cemented their Premier League safety after securing a 3-1 victory over West Ham United at the Britannia Stadium.
While the scoreline may have flattered the Potters, goals from Peter Odemwingie and Marko Arnautovic ensured that all three points went to manager Mark Hughes's side.
For the Hammers, boss Sam Allardyce and his team have come away with nothing, despite a positive display and an opening goal from Andy Carroll.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes that unfolded in the Premier League clash.
Match statistics
Stoke City
Shots: 17
On target: 9
Possession: 55%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 13
West Ham United
Shots: 8
On target: 2
Possession: 45%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 13
Was the result fair?
It should be argued that the scoreline has flattered Stoke City, especially since in the majority of the second half they were on the back foot against West Ham. At the end of the day, though, goals are what matter, and the Potters were able to edge out their competitors thanks to Odemwingie, who scored twice, although the first of his goals was largely created by Peter Crouch. Arnautovic was also able to get on the scoresheet, while Carroll impressed for the Hammers after receiving his first start since serving a three-match ban.
Stoke City's performance
The Potters players received moans of discontent from their supporters during the early stages of the first half after going a goal down after four minutes from a Carroll header. Hughes's side showed some intricate passes of play and were able to up the tempo after Odemwingie's equaliser. Despite being on the back foot in the second half, Stoke were able to make the most of their opportunities when it came to them.
West Ham's performance
The Hammers will feel slightly hard done by as they leave the Britannia with nothing. Some dominate periods of play was not enough to build on Carroll's opening goal, and there was some questionable defensive errors throughout the game. However, Allardyce's team should have been awarded a penalty when Marc Muniesa handled in the box. Despite not getting anything out of the game, the Hammers showed enough progress to feel confident that they will secure league safety.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Stephen Ireland: This was by no means a simple choice as there were not too many candidates for this position. Carroll put on a decent display for West Ham, but Ireland's inclusion following the absence of Jonathan Walters proved to be a good move from Hughes. There were concerns that Stoke would miss the influence of Charlie Adam, who is currently serving a suspension, but Ireland did well in midfield this afternoon. Despite missing some glorious chances in the first half, the Irishman played a role in the majority of Stoke's attacks.
Biggest gaffe
This would have to go to referee Craig Pawson. The match official was in a good position to see the handball committed by Muniesa, as mentioned earlier, but he waved away the West Ham players' screams for a penalty. Muniesa connected the ball after lifting both arms in the box while challenging Carroll for a header.
Referee performance
As mentioned above, Pawson, who was officiating his 10th match in the Premier League, missed a clear penalty shout, which hampered his otherwise decent performance at the Britannia. The match official issued two yellow cards during the contest, but for the majority of the time let play continue.
What next?
Stoke City: The Potters' next game is away to Aston Villa on March 23.
West Ham United: The Hammers will host Manchester United at Upton Park on March 22.
Danielle Joynson
