James Beattie scored the two goals for Stoke.
“I think that is most probably West Ham’s strongest team this season – apart from Scott Parker (who was suspended) – and they have some good players,” said Pulis.
“They finished ninth last season and they didn’t do that by being mugs so we knew it was going to be a tough game.
“They keep the ball very well and play in a way that they try to suck you out and then slide balls down the side.
“But I don’t honestly think (goalkeeper) Thomas Sorensen had too much to do.
“The lads in front of him did fantastically, although we had to do a lot of chasing today.”
