'Potters are so close to getting it right'

Three games in a row have found three different ways to frustrate Stoke City.

First was dominance unrewarded against Norwich, next came a brilliant finish that couldn't quite get over the line at Middlesbrough and then there was a controlled start at Blackburn that unravelled after a beautifully-taken goal had given Stoke a lead.

As Mark Robins rightly reiterated after the game, the Championship is relentless and this may have been a game too far at the end of three games in a week - with two away from home.

Perhaps it was mental fatigue rather than physical tiredness for a squad that again rotated with five changes made to the side which impressed in the north east, but as the match wore on, mistakes crept in.

Robins was frustrated post-match, as was the goalscorer Million Manhoef, who came out for his interviews wearing the look of a man in a rush for success.

It's another sign of how far Stoke have come that each of these draws have been met with disappointment, but the manager hit the nail on the head when talking about the situation his team are in.

He spoke about the great position Stoke have found themselves in early in the campaign and a desperation to capitalise. He spoke about these draws as chances missed and about wanting to make the most of the improvements his team have made.

To do that, they have to score more goals. Defensively, Stoke have been impressive this season and they've played some brilliant football between the boxes, but here they were again guilty of profligacy in front of goal.

If they can make better decisions in the final third, they'll be one of the best teams in the league. The frustration is there because they're so close to getting it right, but six points worse off for not having done so yet.