Sunday 17 December 2017 12:21, UK
Mark Hughes says he understands Stoke fans' frustration after West Ham inflicted their fifth Premier League defeat in six matches.
With the Potters just one point above the relegation places and in danger of falling into the drop zone if West Brom beat Manchester United on Sunday, Hughes said in his post-match press conference that he understands the discontent expressed in the stands late on.
"Up to 75 minutes before the second goal, I thought the fans were absolutely magnificent, they were driving us on, totally behind us," Hughes said.
"Like ourselves on the bench, as soon as the second goal went in it took the wind out of our sails, you get a little bit anxious, a little bit angry then you get a response but for the most part I thought they were great."
Hughes admitted his frustration over the award of the spot kick and believes that Manuel Lanzini dived in the area.
However, the 54-year-old also lamented his side's inability to defend counter-attacks more effectively.
"We felt a little bit aggrieved with the opening goal," he told Sky Sports. "We felt that the guy has dived and the referee has bought it unfortunately.
"When we were pushing for the equaliser, and in the end because we are chasing [the game] and not doing the right things at the back in terms of making sure that we are still solid even though we are committing more people forward, then we get caught on the break.
"At 1-0, with the way they have been setting up of late, with lots of men behind the ball and good pace on the break, you have to make sure you are vigilant and you don't give them opportunities going the other way."
