After a magnificent first season in the Premier League in which Stoke finished 12th, it is a case of so far, so good for Pulis this term. At least that was the case after Tuesday's 3-2 win over Fulham at the Britannia Stadium ended a run of six league games without a win, including four defeats, and elevated Stoke to 10th. But it is clear from Pulis' remarks that this season is far tougher in comparison to last, and he insists he will lift the lid on its perils and pitfalls should Stoke survive. "I hope to God we get enough points to stay up and I'll speak about it at the end of the season because there are lots of things that happen that affect everything," said Pulis, whose team's trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Saturday has been postponed due to the adverse weather conditions. "But the second season is unique. I've spoken to managers about it, two in particular, and what is happening is exactly what they said it would be like. "You don't realise the degree at which it does happen, but it is definitely different. "The first half of the season has gone, and now you are looking at the second half, and you can't predict what is going to happen. "It is that tight and that tough. I just want 40 points, and people can then buy me a nice glass of wine. "We're now 10th in the league at the halfway stage (on 24 points), and if you had given me that before the season started then I would have taken it." The victory over the Cottagers was certainly a welcome tonic, even if Stoke did come close to blowing the 3-0 lead they had amassed by the interval.
