Stoke City completed a 2-0 win over promotion chasing Swansea City at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, sending the Potters seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Goals from Sam Clucas and James McLean in the second half sealed the win for Michael O’Neill’s side, who have taken 13 points from their last six Championship matches.
Below, All Stoked Up rates how the players rated.
Jack Butland – 7
Another clean sheet for the England goalkeeper who seems to be returning to something like his best form.
Tommy Smith – 7
Smith has been impressive defensively since O’Neill’s arrival, but he still lacks quality going forward.
Danny Batth – 8
Becoming the leader of this Stoke back line that is developing a good habit for keeping their opponents at an arms length.
Liam Lindsay – 7
Growing into his role alongside Batth, this was one of Lindsay’s best performances since his arrival during the summer.
Bruno Martins-Indi – 7
Still lacking some of the natural left-back instincts, but another comfortable afternoon for Martins-Indi.
Joe Allen – 8
Another player whose form has really improved under O’Neill, Allen was once again one of Stoke’s standout players. Forming a neat midfield partnership with Clucas.
Sam Clucas – 8
Better from the former Swansea man, Clucas showed more of the quality on the ball that was lacking against West Bromwich Albion last time out.
Nick Powell – 7
Tidy as always, Powell seems to growing into his new role under O’Neill. You get the feeling he is getting closer to a match winning performance.
Tom Ince – 6
Still failing to get involved with enough regularity, Ince has quality but simply struggles to get into games.
James McClean – 8
Good to see him get a goal, McClean was impressive throughout.
Sam Vokes – 6
Clearly cannot play the same role as Tyrese Campbell, but put in a decent shift in his absence.
Substitutes
Lee Gregory – 5 (on for Vokes 69 mins)
Another poor performance, Gregory missed a big chance to make the game 2-0.
Nathan Collins – N/A (on for Ince 87 mins)
On too late to rate.
Mame Biram Diouf – N/A (on for Powell 90 mins)
On too late to rate.
Stoke face Derby County in their next Championship fixture on Friday.