Tuesday 19 April 2016 06:56, UK
Mark Hughes believes Stoke were a "million miles away defensively" in their 4-0 defeat to Tottenham on Monday Night Football.
Harry Kane and Dele Alli scored two each at the Britannia Stadium, with Stoke falling behind after just nine minutes.
And after conceding four goals against Liverpool in their previous fixture on April 10, Hughes said poor defending left his side playing catch up again.
"I'm disappointed with what we produced obviously," Hughes told Sky Sports.
"We had some moments but defensively we were a million miles away from where we should have been, and good teams will pick you off. It's a given in the Premier League.
"The early goal is hurting us at the moment. We conceded an early goal in our last game, almost exactly the same time, and then you are chasing the game.
"It allows Tottenham to sit in and pick you off and use their power and pace. We found it difficult to cope with that, and they were very good on the break, as they have been all year.
"Defensively we need to tighten up a hell of a lot better than the last few games. We know what we need to do and we'll address that and be better next time out."
The win for Tottenham moves them to within five points of Leicester City at the top of the Premier League table, and Hughes admitted Mauricio Pochettino's side were one of the best to visit the Britannia this season.
"You have to acknowledge the position Tottenham are in at the moment, and you can understand why because they are an outstanding team," Hughes said.
"They were a little quicker to everything, more powerful and had a little bit more quality in key areas and we found it difficult to cope with the threats they had.
"We were nowhere near what we can produce on a good day, but Tottenham had a little bit more devilment in their play, and a little more pace and power.
"We are not the only team to struggle to cope with Spurs this year."
Hughes added: "They are quick and sharp and have got that edge that chasing major trophies gives you.
"With their mentality at the moment, you wouldn't bet against them catching Leicester."
