Stoke boss Tony Pulis says the Potters are "trying to evolve" but will not "play it backwards and square" or "back to the goalkeeper 50 times".
Stoke have won just one of their opening eight Premier League games, but that record is not as bad as it might initially appear when you consider they have played Arsenal and Manchester City at home, and Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United away.
They have lost just twice, narrowly at Chelsea and then 4-2 at United on Saturday, but the Potters' performances in both of those games were a vast improvement on previous visits to Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford.
Stoke actually took the lead against the Red Devils at the weekend and could have found themselves 3-0 up, with David De Gea making good saves to deny Charlie Adam and then Jon Walters following a fine flowing move.
The additions of Adam, Steven N'Zonzi, Geoff Cameron and Michael Kightly, who scored Stoke's second at United, have added quality to Pulis' ranks, and the Welshman, who also has Michael Owen at his disposal, admits he is trying to change the team's style.
"We're trying to evolve and turn into a team that will play through the pitch quickly, but can play better small passes," he told BBC Radio Stoke.
"There's more continuity and build-up, but it's always through the pitch.
"We don't want to play it backwards and square, and pass back to the goalkeeper 50 times.
"That's not the way I think football should be played."
Pulis, in his 10th season in charge of Stoke over two spells, has also hinted that he would be happy to see out his managerial career at the Britannia Stadium.
"I'm hoping to be here for a few more years, and I hope Peter [Coates - Stoke chairman] and the family are here for a few more years, and we've got to gradually move it on," Pulis said.
"That will suit some people, but won't suit others because they want immediate success and they always want their team to win.
"But hopefully we know which way we are going. It takes time, and it's the way to do it we think.
"I don't see myself anywhere else. I've got fantastic respect for the area. I enjoy the football club, and my relationship with the Coates family is first class."
