Pulis Wary Of In-Form Blues

Potters boss says Blues are tougher foes than Arsenal

Tony Pulis says Tuesday's visit of Everton will be a harder game for his side than facing Arsenal.

Pulis' men battled to a 1-1 draw with the Gunners on Saturday, just as Everton were thrashing Fulham 4-0 to emphasise their recent excellent form.

The two sides meet at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday evening and the Potters' boss is wary of the Blues' combination of quality and power.

"In many respects, the challenge they present will make this a tougher game for us than the Arsenal game because they have more of a physical presence about them," declared Pulis.

"We know then that we will have to perform as well, if not better, as we did against Arsenal and we'll need the crowd right behind us as well."

The Stoke manager also paid tribute to David Moyes' astute activity in the January transfer window.

Moyes and Chairman Bill Kenwright secured the double deadline day acquisition of Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic and both have yielded rich dividends so far.

"They do say you should be careful about making signings in the January transfer window, but look what they've done with the players they've brought in," added Pulis. "Jelavic has proved to be a very, very good signing who has adjusted well to the English game and he's full of goals at the moment. But the key signing for me has been bringing back Pienaar who is a quality performer and looks as though he's never been away."