Stoke City turned on a performance to remember in front of the Sky Sports cameras in East Yorkshire as they ran out 2-0 winners against a lacklustre Hull City side. 

With manager Michael O’Neill missing due to COVID, assistant manager Dean Holden spoke to the media after his side’s comprehensive victory. 

  • “It was a really strong performance”

“It was a really strong performance,” he told the press conference through Zoom after the game. “I felt we were devastating at time on the counter and the only thing we could have done better is looking after the ball better.

Some of the play today was great. There were two assists from Sam Clucas today and we could have scored more. 

Credit to Incey (Tom Ince). He’s one of the best trainers every day and he feels fit – he put the work in – the midfield three and the energy they showed allowed us to keep the ball effectively. All in all, the final passes could have been better.”

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  • On D’Margio Wright Phillips

“Browny (Jacob Brown) makes the unselfish runs and D’Margio drives and commits defenders – he backed up an impressive debut with an even better one today. It was his first league start today so credit to him.

“I’m pleased with all the debuts,” he continued. “The two older boys marshaled the defence and midfield well. There are things to work on but there’s a good spirit around the squad. It’s not been easy without the manager. 

Lewis Baker’s a really pleasing addition.” 

  • On the positive nature of the result

“We needed it, didn’t we?” he said cheerily at the end of the interview. “There’s been a lift this week with some lads coming in. Confidence is high, and it doesn’t come any bigger than Fulham (next game)”.