Blues had to settle for a share of the spoils as the two sides played out a 0-0 draw at St Andrews on Saturday afternoon.
"It was a tough tough game against a resilient team and we had to work hard to get people behind them," the Blues boss said after the match.
"Stoke put eight men behind the ball, right in front of their box. It's difficult to penetrate that and it's not easy.
"On the occasions that we did play, I thought we played some good football.
"It's a big step up into the Premier League but so far we have defended well and that is pleasing.
" I'm pleased with the start we've made."