Mark Hughes praises Bojan after Stoke draw at West Ham
Saturday 5 November 2016 18:20, UK
Mark Hughes praised Bojan's professionalism after the Stoke substitute earned his side a 1-1 draw at West Ham.
Joe Allen's form has been keeping the Spaniard out of City's side, but he made an impact from the bench in east London to extend the club's unbeaten run to six Premier League games.
Trailing to a Glenn Whelan own goal, Hughes sent on Bojan for his first appearance since September 18 and was rewarded with an equaliser as he took advantage of Adrian's mistake to volley a smart finish.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the Stoke boss said: "He's been unfortunate. Joe's come in, I've changed his position and he's been fantastic.
"Bojan's been affected by Joe's form but he's trained really well while he's been out of the side and his focus is spot on.
"It has to be, because when you're called you have to make an impact. He was ready and that's what we need."
Hughes said he felt "hard done by" after Michail Antonio's header deflected in off Whelan to give West Ham a lead he felt they barely merited on the balance of play.
"I was really pleased," said the Welshman, whose side failed to win any of their first seven in the league. "It was a good away performance.
"We came with a bit of confidence, in good nick and looking for a fourth win on the trot. We weren't quite able to do that but we've kept our run going which is something.
"We've clearly turned our season around - a lot was made of the opening few games, and we had a poor performance against Crystal Palace and a half against Tottenham.
"Apart from that we were always in games, we knew we weren't far from getting back to the level we're capable of, and we've proved that.
"Their goal was a little bit unfortunate - I think there was a slight deflection as they challenged for the ball and that has just taken the ball away from Lee Grant.
"We felt hard done by because at that point we'd never really been under any pressure and were always trying to take the game to West Ham."
