Paul Clement’s future as Swansea head coach appears increasingly precarious, seven months after he engineered an heroic escape.

After nine defeats in 12 Premier League games, Clement is running out of time with Swansea now bottom and facing a crucial game against West Bromwich Albion next weekend.

Swansea’s owners have been determined to give the 45-year-old time to mount a revival but this latest setback raises the prospect of Clement becoming the sixth top-flight managerial casualty of the season.

Stoke’s victory eases the pressure on Mark Hughes, who is also under growing scrutiny from a disenchanted fanbase, after his team recovered from a goal down to secure three vital points.