Pulis's Potters have now not won in six - to drop back in the bottom three

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis was pleased with the way the Potters played despite the 1-0 Boxing Day lunchtime home defeat to Manchester United.

An 84th minute goal from Carlos Tevez was enough to claim the points for the champions against 10-man Stoke.

Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke: "I thought it was a smashing performance, you can't fault the effort of the players.

"We're disappointed because the players have worked hard, but sometimes you don't get what you deserve."

Pulis highlighted the dismissal of Andy Wilkinson, who saw red in the 72nd minute for a second bookable offence, as the turning point.

"When Andy got sent off I thought we were the stronger side," said Pulis. "I was even thinking about putting an extra forward on.

"But we switched off for 30 seconds after we went down to 10 men , they got an opportunity and scored."

Pulis reckoned that Wilkinson's dismissal marred an excellent performance by the full-back.

"Andy had a great game," said Pulis. "But he went in for a rash challenge after already being booked.

"I was really pleased with the way that Andy played but he has to learn to play with his mind as well as his heart."

The Potters put in a battling effort against a United side who beat them 5-0 at Old Trafford just over a month ago.

But, since the following week's 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion, Stoke have now picked up just three points out of a possible 15.

And, following Manchester City's sudden return to form, Pulis's side have now dropped into the bottom three for the first time since October.

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