Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of Champions League qualification were officially ended on Saturday as they suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Stoke City.

The hosts scored twice during the first half as Charlie Adam and Steven Nzonzi both found the net to put the Potters in control.

Spurs' task was made harder five minutes after the restart when Vlad Chiriches was sent off for a second bookable offence, before Mame Biram Diouf wrapped up the points for Stoke late on.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action on a good afternoon for the Potters at the Britannia Stadium.

Match statistics

STOKE
Shots: 17
On target: 9
Possession: 45%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 14

TOTTENHAM
Shots: 9
On target: 3
Possession: 55%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 12

Was the result fair?

Stoke were the superior team throughout and came away with a deserved victory in the end. They could have even made the scoreline more emphatic, such was their resounding dominance. Meanwhile, Tottenham were well below par and never looked like getting something out of the game.

Stoke's performance

The Potters showed great energy, dynamism and attacking intent from the first whistle to the last, forcing their opponents on the back foot and playing with the kind of freedom that they have been lacking in recent weeks. While they were rarely tested at the back, it was in midfield and up front where they really impressed. The likes of Steven Nzonzi, Marko Arnautovic and Charlie Adam all stepped up to the plate and delivered strong individual performances to help their side earn an invigorating win. Mark Hughes will be delighted by how his players overwhelmed Spurs during the first half, but he can take equal satisfaction from their focus and determination in the second half as the visitors were now allowed a way back into the match.

Tottenham's performance

These kind of dull, lifeless and impotent showings are becoming all too familiar from a Spurs perspective. Knowing that they had to win in order to keep their slim Champions League hopes alive, the visitors were half-asleep for much of the first half. A sluggish defensive performance combined with a complete absence of creativity up front meant that their fate was all but sealed before the half-time whistle. There was a bit of an improvement after the break as Tottenham looked a bit more hungry in attack, but not enough to truly worry Stoke. Mauricio Pochettino recently claimed that he wants to close the gap on the top sides in the league next season. Big changes will be needed if that is to happen because it seems as if Spurs are just chasing their own tails at the moment.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Marko Arnautovic: The Stoke winger was hugely influential down the left flank with his tireless running, consistent crossing and his cutting in to central areas. Eric Dier in particular was given a torrid time by the Austrian. The only thing that was missing from his stellar performance was a goal.

Biggest gaffe

Tottenham were all over the place for Stoke's second goal as Hugo Lloris and Eric Dier clattered into each other while trying to defend a cross, allowing Steven Nzonzi to covert with the goal at his mercy. It is these kind of defensive howlers that Spurs can not seem to shake off.

Referee performance

Mark Clattenburg enjoyed a solid afternoon in the middle. The official allowed the game to flow at an exciting pace, showing leniency when he needed to. His biggest decision was for the sending-off of Vlad Chiriches, which he got right.

What next?

Stoke: The Potters play their final away game of the season on May 16 when they travel to relegated Burnley.

Tottenham: Spurs have the chance to get back to winning ways on May 16 as Hull City visit White Hart Lane.