While Arsenal controlled the ball in the second half, they failed to make many any inroads into the Stoke defence and held on to the point following a goalless draw.
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“But we are in the position we wanted to be and now we go to the home game [against Chelsea next weekend] and we are ready to compete again”.
Arsenal headed to Stoke on Sunday afternoon knowing that as long as they didn’t lose they would end the week on top of the table.
“Many people think they will be champions this year, but I didn’t see too much difference between the two teams and that shows how we are progressing”.
Arsenal do not have history on their side, having only won one of their last seven games at Britannia Stadium.
Both sides were denied three points thanks to a number of brilliant saves from goalkeepers Petr Cech and Jack Butland.
The best chance of the half fell for the north Londoners though, when the ball was laid on a plate for Olivier Giroud on the right of the box. “It is not just the save but it is about relieving the pressure and making them feel comfortable in front of you”.
The Potters were without one of their star men in the form of summer signing Xherdan Shaqiri (hamstring), while Arsenal were dealt a cruel blow as Mesut Ozil was missing with a foot problem.
Even Arsene Wenger praised our opponents after the game, but also thought that the Gunners matched them for desire.
Hughes admitted he was somewhat bewildered by such comments, responding: “I heard Arsene say he was surprised we went direct, but I’m not sure what game he was watching”.
The Potters almost mustered a late victor when Jonathan Walters’ header from a corner was cleared off the line by Ramsey before Cech stopped Joselu once more, this time with an outstretched leg.
“Petr Cech is a great goalkeeper and he showed it again against us”.
“And on another day with a little bit of luck we could have won that game, as we have done against other elite teams here”.
United manager Louis van Gaal added: “We have made a good start in 2016, to beat Liverpool for the second time in a row is marvellous, it gives a big boost for the players and the fans so I hope we shall continue with winning”.
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His side have now failed to win at Stoke’s home ground in six attempts – a sequence that dates back to a 3-1 success in February 2010.
