Pulis takes his team to Anfield on Wednesday

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has said the Potters deserved to start their second season in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over promoted Burnley.

A header from Ryan Shawcross and an own goal by Clarets defender Stephen Jordan gave Pulis and Stoke the three points.

"For the first time since we've been in the Premier League, we were favourites to win," Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke.

"There was added pressure there. You never know what you'll get in the first game and there's room for improvement."

Jordan's own goal came from their most potent weapon, a long throw from Rory Delap.

"We'll get berated for that everywhere apart from Stoke-on-Trent," added Pulis. "But long may it continue."

On Wednesday, Pulis's side take on Premier League runners-up Liverpool at Anfield, where the Potters produced a fantastic defensive display to force a 0-0 draw in the corresponding fixture last season.

"The Liverpool games and the Manchester United games are the ones that the supporters want to see and want to enjoy.

"We'll do the same as what we did there last year, and that's us doing our best."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version