Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has said that his team were forced to "defend for their lives" to claim a valuable point from tonight's game against West Ham United.

The Potters led at Upton Park thanks to Jonathan Walters's first-half goal, but Joey O'Brien struck immediately after the break and the Hammers took the ascendancy.

However, Pulis's men held on for the a draw that saw them go one point above Sunderland.

"It was chalk and cheese. Two halves; one for us and one for them, so I suppose a draw is a fair result," Pulis told Sky Sports News

"I thought we played really well in the first half and if anything I was disappointed not to come in more than 1-0 up. But fair play to West Ham, when they get the early goal it's a fantastic place and stadium to play at.

"Give us credit first half, but I thought West Ham were very good second half. They pinned us back and our lads had to defend for their lives."

Stoke host Fulham at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.