MARK HUGHES has admitted Stoke could not handle the pace and power of Arsenal.
Stoke took the lead at the Emirates after 20 minutes from the penalty spot after Joe Allen went down under a challenge from Granit Xhaka.
However, Arsenal fought back to win 3-1 and go top of the Premier League with goals from Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Alex Iwobi.
And Mark Hughes has admitted his side struggled to handle the Gunners due to their "pace and power".
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“We created a number of good opportunities when in previous years we have struggled to even get shots on goal here," Hughes said.
"We had a number of good moments even before the penalty.
“I thought he [Joe Allen] got sideswiped and was in possession of the ball in the box, my initial thought was it was a penalty.
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“We stood up to them and maybe conceding the equaliser before half time lifted them and hurt us more than we thought.
“We had to push the game and look for opportunities at the other end - a lot of teams will struggle to come here and cope with the pace and power Arsenal have at the moment.
“You have to take it on the chin and go again.”