Stoke & Staffordshire

Mark Elliott
BBC Radio Stoke commentator

Image source, Shutterstock

Leicester had two shots on target and scored each time.

Both, admittedly, came from Stoke City errors in possession. First from Ashley Phillips and then from Bae Junho, but that might actually bolster the case that the Potters were the better side in this one.

The second goal was the real killer, right on half-time but Stoke had enough of the ball and enough chances in the second half to take at least a point.

That they did not leaves them looking to bounce back from two successive defeats but far from disheartened.

Everyone who follows the club knows that Stoke need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to allow their consistently-outstanding defence the luxury of being able to make the odd error, but on the balance of play they have probably been a clear second best in just two or three games this season.

That said, they are now faced with two big home games and a test of their resolve, something all successful teams need.

Back-to-back defeats can not become a run of three or four without a win, particularly with Charlton the visitors in midweek.

The Addicks travel north having won just one of their last five and having also lost their last two, with a 5-1 reverse at home against Southampton fresh in their minds.

Two good results for Stoke over the next week and the last two games can be forgotten.

If they can recover their momentum quickly the Potters will show they have the strength of character to stay the course, even when things are not going their way.

Image source, Rex Features

Boss Mark Robins said Stoke must make better decisions in the final third following the 2-1 loss away against Leicester City.

"I thought we started off really brightly," Robins told BBC Radio Stoke.

"But you look at the chances we had and the decision making, sometimes it's not the right one. Sometimes we'll take a shot when it's a pass, sometimes we'll pass when it's a shot.

"It's just those mixed up moments, but everybody is allowed to make mistakes, that's the nature of a human being and it's about how you rectify them.

"To give the ball away in an area that then cost us a goal, not just once, but twice, is really frustrating.

"After a really bright start in the first half, you're two goals down going into the second half - right on half-time when you give the second goal away. You know you're going to have a conversation at half-time. They came out and lifted the performance; it was more like us."

Stoke City boss Mark Robins says he's "over the moon" to have his contract at the club extended with a three-and-a-half year deal.

"From now on, we've got to go and achieve something," Robins told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Tangibly, that makes sense to go and win something and be rewarded like that. This is just out the blue and I'm really appreciative of it.

"I love being the manager of this football club. My commitment was never in doubt and is never in doubt."

What do you think of his new deal Potters fans?

Let us know your thoughts on Robins' contract extension here.