Stoke boss Tony Pulis admits The Potters face a tough January fixture list. With Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham lying in wait for Stoke this month, the immediate future looks bleak for the Midland outfit.

Pulis said: "We know you have good runs and bad runs. The big thing you learn in the Premiership is you have to take it on the chin.

"You have learn how to lose without getting too down and too despondent. You have to box that up, put it to one side and make sure everyone who counts stays positive.

"It is difficult, however, especially when you have got used to winning in the Championship."

He continued, "January is a tough month for us and by the time we get to Tottenham, Harry (Redknapp) will have bought all the sweets from the shop," he added.