Stoke City are still searching for their first elusive league win of the season, after losing 3-2 to Nottingham Forest at the bet365 Stadium on Friday night.

There was a feeling of it being a make or break game for Nathan Jones before kick-off, with reports claiming that Friday night's clash with the Reds could have been his final game in charge if they failed to pick up a win.

The Potters - who had picked up two points from eight games before Friday night - had to get off to a bright start against Sabri Lamouchi's side, and they did when Lee Gregory slammed home after 10 minutes.

But as they have done on more than one occasion this season, Stoke crumbled, conceding before half-time through Joe Lolley, and then letting Forest storm into a 3-1 lead in the second-half through Sammy Ameobi and Lewis Grabban.

Stoke did fight back towards the end and scored late on when James McClean headed in a late consolation, but it was too little, too late for the Staffordshire outfit.

As they continue to sit at the bottom of the Championship table, we take a look at three things we clearly learnt about Stoke after their defeat to Forest...

They have found their midfield trio

It was a much better performance from Stoke on Friday night - they controlled the game in the first-half right from the off.

Badou N'Diaye and Peter Etebo were outstanding in the opening 45 minutes, adding real power, energy and tenaciousness to the midfield, getting stuck into the Forest midfield and driving forward with the ball.

Along with Sam Clucas, the former Swansea man offered real flair going forward, and was hacked down on numerous chances as he looked to break into the final third and create chances.

If they can sort out their defensive issues, that midfield three should be the same for the rest of the season.

Powell and Gregory could work

Stoke have plenty of quality options going forward, but it's Gregory who should be starting week in, week out for the Potters.

On Friday night, he didn't stop running the channels and causing problems for the Forest defence - he could have scored after two minutes when he got in behind and saw his shot cleared off the line.

He got his goal after 10 minutes, and thrived with Nick Powell playing in the hole behind him, and the pair could work really well together between now and the end of the season.

Powell threaded plenty of balls through for Gregory on Friday evening, and his creativity could be beneficial for the former Millwall man this term.

Jack Butland needs to step up his game

It has been a hugely disappointing start to the season for Butland, and his woes continued on Friday night.

He failed to keep hold of Matty Cash's cross amid pressure from Lewis Grabban, and the ball subsequently dropped to Lolley who slammed home from 10 yards.

He has already been taken out of the firing line after his dismal performance against Preston earlier on this season, but there is only so many times that Jones can do that.

He is meant to be a leader, but he needs to improve, fast.