Whitehead wary of Murphy effect

Stoke midfielder Dean Whitehead is concerned the controversy over comments made by Fulham captain Danny Murphy about the Potters' playing style may be impacting on their season.

Murphy last month waded into the debate about over-physical sides in the Barclays Premier League by naming Stoke, Blackburn and Wolves as the main protagonists. Since then Tony Pulis' side have slipped to three successive league defeats, which have all featured perceived refereeing errors.

"I think the comments Danny Murphy made have highlighted us as a club," Whitehead told The Sentinel.

"It's put us in the spotlight and you get labelled. It's plain to see we aren't getting the decisions.

"You just hope these things even out.

"We are capable of putting a good run together and a couple of wins in this league takes you right up there.

"In none of the games we've lost have we been out-played.

"A decision here or there and you could be talking about a different outcome."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.