Stoke City boss Mark Hughes denies his players tried to wind up Chelsea striker Diego Costa for Saturday's defeat.

Hughes dismissed the theory his players were deliberately trying to antagonise Costa and the former centre forward questioned if his histrionics were required.

"We didn't target him, more likely he targeted our players," Hughes claimed.

"I played in that position many years and I look at his qualities as a striker, he's an outstanding striker, but on occasions he's got elements of his play that he doesn't really need to have.

"You can still have an edge, an element where you can look after yourself, but you don't have to have the rest.

"I think it takes away from his performance and his image as a player, it's not necessary. Maybe that's how he generates his feeling in the game and when he's able to produce his best work. I think it detracts from what a good player he is."