Tony Pulis's critics feel Stoke City's comfortable position masks shortcomings in the style of play
Who are the most contented fans in the Premier League? The table would suggest Stoke City supporters have little to grumble about but the table, contrary to the cliche, sometimes lies. Not that the Britannia is a cauldron of despair, but nor is it the bowl of cheer you might expect from the home of a club who, 18 months after promotion, are perched in the top half of the top flight, a mere three points off a place in Europe.
On the surface there is little sign that Stoke are suffering from second-season syndrome. Indeed, rather than having been "found out" as teams become more familiar with them, Stoke's record gives the impression they have adapted to the extent that not only do they continue to excel at what they did well last season but they have addressed some of their shortcomings. Their home form remains formidable and they have fared better on the road: last season they shipped 15 goals in their first seven away games and won just two points; from seven trips this season they have returned with seven points and conceded only eight goals. And yet, Tony Pulis is by no means universally acclaimed by Stoke fans.
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