Hughes stated his intent to change the teams' style of play to a more possession based game but a lack of transfer activity before the season started saw Stoke installed as one of the bookies favourites for relegation.

Stoke began well narrowly losing to Liverpool and then beating Crystal Palace and West Ham but the club failed to address their goalscoring problem in the transfer market with winger Marko Arnautović the only forward signed during the summer.

However the arrival of Peter Odemwingie from Cardiff City in a swap deal with Kenwyne Jones saw Hughes able to change his formation and tactics which instantly paid off with a 2–1 victory over Manchester United on 1 February.

[2][3] News of his potential arrival was met with a largely negative reaction from the supporters who saw Hughes as an underwhelming choice mainly due to his poor spell in charge of Queens Park Rangers.

[17] Stoke's final match in the United States saw them beat the Philadelphia Union 2–0 thanks to early goals from Michael Kightly and Brek Shea.

[22][23] City suffered a blow before kick-off after Wilson Palacios pulled out after feeling ill in the warm-up and was taken to hospital where he underwent a "minor surgical procedure".

[24] A frantic opening 15 minutes saw Stoke hit the crossbar through Robert Huth and Kolo Touré did likewise for Liverpool who then saw Daniel Sturridge have a goal ruled out for offside.

Asmir Begović was forced to make a number of fine saves to keep Liverpool out but he did conceded one after 37 minutes after a low shot from Sturridge found its way in to the bottom corner.

Stoke did have the chance to come away with a point after Daniel Agger handled in the area in the final moments but Jonathan Walters saw his spot kick saved by Simon Mignolet who also blocked Kenwyne Jones' rebound meaning that Hughes' first match ended in a defeat.

Stoke produced arguably their best away performance in the Premier League as they controlled the 90 minutes at Upton Park and won the match late on after substitute Jermaine Pennant curled in a free-kick past Jussi Jääskeläinen.

Stoke were fortunate to get a point from the match as Begović had to make three saves to keep out Stéphane Sessègnon and Albion should have had a penalty when Charlie Adam tripped Youssouf Mulumbu.

Stoke had chances to extend their lead through Walters but David de Gea made a fine double save before Robin van Persie scored just before half time.

[34] Strong winds greeted high flying Southampton at the Britannia Stadium and Stoke took the unusual step of deciding to swap ends after winning the toss.

In the second half Stoke created and missed a number of chances before Nzonzi chipped the ball past Vito Mannone to seal a 2–0 victory, ending a run of eight matches without a win.

[40] José Mourinho's Chelsea side were next to arrive at the Britannia and they made a quick start taking the lead through German winger André Schürrle after 10 minutes.

Stoke made a good start and took the lead through Assaidi, however Glenn Whelan was then sent-off for two bookable offences by Martin Atkinson which resulted in a furious Mark Hughes also being sent from the dugout.

It got worse for Stoke as just before half time they were reduced to nine-men as Wilson was shown a straight red for conceding a penalty which helped Newcastle to run out 5–1 winners.

[44] After the match Hughes was charged by the FA for improper conduct whilst Stoke lodged an official complaint against Atkinson with Peter Coates branding him a "disgrace".

Roberto Soldado converted a penalty just before half time after Shawcross handled in the area before strikes from Mousa Dembélé and Aaron Lennon gave Spurs an easy win.

Stoke took the lead in the 49th minute after Whelan's cross was only half cleared by John Stones and the ball fell to Assaidi who fired past Tim Howard.

With Stoke looking to hold on to the three points a clumsy tackle by Jermaine Pennant on Leon Osman resulted in Leighton Baines scoring a late penalty.

Stoke produced a very poor performance and another defensive mistake which allowed Jason Puncheon to score the only goal as the side slipped to another away defeat.

[54] Stoke endured a frustrating January transfer deadline day before they played Manchester United after deals for Lee Cattermole and Jonathan Pitroipa fell through.

[55][56] Hughes gave Odemwingie his home debut and decided to change formation to 4–4–2 for the visit of David Moyes' Manchester United who had the trio of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata playing together for the first time.

[65] Stoke then faced West Ham on 15 March looking to complete the double over the Hammers but made a poor start to the match with Andy Carroll heading in after just four minutes.

Stoke made a slow start and fell behind after five minutes after slack defending by Geoff Cameron allowed Fabian Delph to cross to Christian Benteke for a simple goal.

Villa tried and failed to get back to the contest after the break and Stoke sealed an emphatic 4–1 victory in the 90th minute with Cameron firing past Brad Guzan after great wing play by Arnautović.

Stoke had chances to extend their lead after the break but poor finishing enabled Newcastle to stay in the game and they almost scored through Vurnon Anita but his header was off target.

It was frustrating match for Stoke as Ryan Shawcross was sent-off for two bookable offences whilst goalscorer Rose avoided a red card for pushing Geoff Cameron.

[81] Stoke were drawn against Midlands opponents in the form of Walsall in the second round of the League Cup and won the match 3–1 thanks to a hat-trick from Kenwyne Jones.