I didn't see the game either, so like you can't really comment on specifics.
However, the wanting it more than us comment may have some credence. Given that many of those that played will not be getting first team football and indeed may well be shipped out of the club, there's a question of motivation. I can imagine that a lot of them know they are not wanted and have no chance of being involved in the first team no matter what they did last night. As opposed to the Stoke players who will have been all out to impress to have a chance to break into the first team.
It's a workplace and it's the same as anywhere. If you know you are not wanted or liked you will hardly bust a gut for the boss.
Just a thought.