Monday 28 November 2016 15:10, UK
Charlie Adam says Stoke's win at Watford means manager Mark Hughes has a few tricky decisions to make for their next match against Burnley on Saturday.
The impressive 1-0 victory at Vicarage Road at the weekend hoisted them into the top half of the Premier League table and the 30-year-old midfielder predicts many players are now pushing for a first-team place for their next battle.
"It was an excellent performance," Adam said. "We had a few key players missing but the lads who came in were excellent and it's the manager's headache next week.
"We knew Watford would come at us in the first half but we were excellent all game. That's the character you have to show when you're not playing. When you come into a team that's playing well you have to stamp your authority.
"It's a headache for the manager next week but it's a good one to have. It's nice to see us in the top half. It was a great away performance and we'll move on to Burnley at home."
Adam's first-half header, which hit a post before rebounding into the net off Hornets keeper Heurelho Gomes, secured a deserved three points for the visitors.
Hughes was forced to reshuffle his team, with Ryan Shawcross, Phil Bardsley and Glenn Whelan out injured and Joe Allen suspended.
But, Glen Johnson and Marc Muniesa slotted in at the back, while Adam and Giannelli Imbula controlled the midfield in Allen's place.
Watford lost any hope they had of gaining a point when Miguel Britos was sent off near the end and the team were uncharacteristically lethargic.
However, head coach Walter Mazzarri still felt they deserved something from the game.
"When we were 11 against 11, the only thing we missed was to score," said the Italian.
"Of course I want much more from my team but it can happen a game like this. Especially if you look at the whole 95 minutes, then I think the match was at the same level between us and Stoke."
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