Tony Pulis's direct playing style has been often criticised, especially as results have faltered in a poor 2013, but it was a classic route-one move that brought his side a precious win.The first half was a nervy and largely forgettable affair, with the only clear-cut chance falling early on to Cameron Jerome whose powerful close-range volley hit his team-mate Steven Nzonzi on the line.Adam's first goal since November came courtesy of a Ryan Shawcross long ball from the back, and the Potters doggedly secured three points which should guarantee them a sixth successive season in the top flight.A long ball from defence was flicked on by Peter Crouch into the path of Adam, who took a touch with his head before firing crisply past Mark Bunn from close range. We deserved to win today, we created more opportunities. The three points are vital because we have tough games coming up.Crouch missed a good chance to extend the lead, but the hosts held on easily against a toothless Canaries attack.Our first challenge is always to stay in the Premier League, anything else is a bonus.For Norwich boss Chris Hughton, though, the spectre of the drop still looms after a poor display in which they failed to seriously trouble Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.Fortunately for the Potters, Norwich mustered precious little in response - an injury-time header from Kei Kamara that sailed over the bar being the closest they came to an equaliser.These two sides have followed a similar trajectory this season, with excellent pre-Christmas form being followed by dramatic nosedives since the turn of the year, but Stoke become the first to reach the 40-point mark.
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