Michael O’Neill delivers Stoke City verdict ahead of Luton Town clash

Stoke City have managed to go unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions but only two of those have come as wins – and Michael O’Neill has told StokeOnTrent Live that he wants his side to win more over ending games in stalemates.

The Potters are still amongst the teams in the division that may fancy their chances of a push for the top six in the second half of this campaign but having only managed six of a possible 12 points in their last four Championship games, they have fallen slightly.

That isn’t to say that Michael O’Neill’s side haven’t been solid. They held high-flying Nottingham Forest to a draw, battled to a point against Huddersfield and beat Swansea with ease.

However, the Potters’ boss has revealed that he feels his side ‘made the level of their performance win games.’ Instead, his side have fought hard and put in some superb showings but have been unable to make that translate into three points.

With several sides all competing for those elusive play-off berths, results are becoming gradually more and more important for the Potters and the sides around them. They have the chance to get another set of three points on the board in midweek and O’Neill will be desperate to ensure they snatch them.

Speaking to StokeOnTrent Live about his team, the boss said: “What we’ve worked hard on is our style of play and how we’re trying to play and build and be that type of team.

“I think we’ve made great strides in that. What we haven’t done probably, particularly in recent times, is make the level of performance win games.

“We’ve allowed the opposition, in the moments they’ve had periods in the game, to peg us back. That’s something that will maybe come with a little bit more experience playing in this league