Pennant predicts best-ever season

Published Feb. 6, 2011 1:15 a.m. ET

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The visitors led 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium with less than 10 minutes remaining but left empty-handed as Stoke scored two typically scrappy goals from set-pieces. "We scored late on against Aston Villa and scored late on today," Pennant told Sky Sports 2. "Especially when the fans get behind you it's like you have 12 men on the pitch. "The team's down the lower part started winning and today was a massive three points. We lost at Liverpool but this is our fortress and we got the win today. "The gaffer said this could be our best season and I think he's right. We're still in the FA Cup and in the top half of the league." Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admitted it was hard to accept not even taking a point from the game. "Sometimes it's cruel when you've dominated the game but if you don't defend properly...we knew what to expect and haven't dealt with it at all," Bruce told Sky Sports 2. "To score two away from home and not come away with anything is desperately harsh." Asked about players being offside or committing fouls in the build-up to Stoke's goals, Bruce added: "There is a debate and you need the referee to be strong, but for all afternoon that didn't happen. "But I'm not going to try and complain, we should be dealing with the ball into the box better than we did. "It's very difficult to replicate it on the training ground. You need the bravery to go and head the ball. You need your goalkeeper to come and catch them." Stoke manager Tony Pulis was delighted with the win, adding: "It's massive, we've played four consecutive away games and the spirit of the players is absolutely fantastic. "We gave two silly goals away in the first couple of minutes of each half but we're very, very pleased with the points." Asked about any controversy over his side's goals, Pulis added: "We played at Sunderland and [Lee] Cattermole flicked it up with one hand and away with the other on the post so whatever we have got today, thank goodness!"