Some had questioned the ex-Barcelona forward’s suitability to the Premier League when he arrived in the summer, but he buried the match-winning penalty against Everton
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes believes that Bojan Krkic has proved wrong the doubters as his fine form continued against Everton on Friday.
The Spain international claimed the only goal at a rain-swept Goodison Park, converting a first-half penalty that he had won himself by taking on James McCarthy.
“Bojan did fantastic driving the game and carrying the ball – and under those circumstances defenders know they have to be very careful,” Hughes told the media. “I thought it was a really good decision by the referee [to award a penalty].
“If people see any weakness in Bojan’s play, they’ll say he’s not suited for the English game but, in the short time he’s been here, I think he’s knocked all those thoughts on the head.
“He is really enjoying his time here at the moment and what’s happening to his football right now but he’s worked really well and he’ll see the rewards for that – and so will we.”
Everton felt aggrieved when Jonathan Walters escaped a red card from referee Lee Mason, despite pulling down Leighton Baines when the full-back was through on goal.
Stoke broke from the resulting free kick and were awarded a penalty when Bojan was bundled over by McCarthy but, although Everton applied pressure, Hughes felt his side were worthy winners.
“We had a gameplan and the key to it was to be nice and solid and we were able to nip things in the bud and be on the front foot with our defending and then break from those positions,” he added.
“I never felt Everton gained any real momentum in their play to ask any questions of us and we saw the game out quite comfortably.
“Initially I thought the Jon Walters foul was just a coming-together but, having seen it again, Jon does pull him back but Baines is quite far away so I think a yellow card was the right decision.”
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