Hull defender Michael Dawson hopes home form can be enough to preserve Tigers' Premier League status

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A season full of clouds can end with the Silva lining of safety thanks to Hull's new manager and their impressive home record, according to defender Michael Dawson.

Despite this defeat, Marco Silva's men remain two points clear of the drop and Dawson said: 'It will be enough if we win our home games. That would give us another nine points.

'We've been terrible on the road but our home form puts us in a position where it's still in our hands and while that's the case, we've got massive belief in the manager.'

Michael Dawson believes nine points at home will be enough for Premier League survival

Xherdan Shaqiri's sensational 35-yard effort sealed a convincing 3-1 win for Stoke over Hull

Stoke boss Mark Hughes's decision to bring on Jon Walters and Peter Crouch, after Harry Maguire had cancelled out Marko Arnautovic's opener, was met with jeers from the home fans.

But Walters set up Crouch to score before Xherdan Shaqiri ended the contest with a 30-yard screamer.

'When you make changes and they don't come off, they'll tell you it's because you don't know what you're doing, that you're not very good at subs,' said Hughes. 

'But I can assure you that is not the case where I am concerned. I have a plan.' 

Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic fires his side into the lead with a sensational effort

Harry Maguire's strike straight after half time dragged the Tigers back into the contest

Peter Crouch rises above Andrea Ranocchia to reclaim the lead for the home side