Stoke finally got their first win of the season with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over a despondent and disappointing Sunderland side.
The Potters dominated from start to finish and their only complaint was perhaps an inability to add two or three more goals to a scoreline that flattered the visitors. Welsh magician Joe Allen was the man of the moment once again with his fifth goal in four games and manager Mark Hughes will be hoping his unlikely No.10 can continue his form in front of goal to further his side's overdue rise up the league.
Positives
A convincing and entirely deserved first win of the season has lifted the mood of everyone at the club, with their first clean sheet in 18 matches the cherry on the icing on top of the cake.