Having vented his frustrations at the officials, Stoke boss Mark Hughes was sent to the stands for a loftier perspective on his side's latest capitulation on home soil, with Tottenham repeating their 4-0 rout from last season on Saturday.
It was an even contest for the first half an hour but the manager's dismissal was swiftly followed by a goal just before half time, which panicked the home side. An inability to be patient for their chance saw the Potters recklessly chase an equaliser and a slick Spurs were more than happy to punish their naivety on the counter attack.