Even with a late second half push from Stoke City, it was more of the same old same old for the club on Saturday. As has been the norm this season, The Potters made countless mistakes at Bet365 Stadium and failed to gain much attacking momentum on their way to a 2-1 loss to Birmingham City.
Stoke City now move back to 19th on the table with 22 points. Making matters even worse for Stoke City, 22 points puts the club just two points above two relegation positions. The Potters will hope they can turn their fortunes around this Tuesday when the club next hosts Luton Town.
What Went Wrong for Stoke City Against The Blues?
Stoke City who got off to a decent start to the match Saturday, quickly burned that momentum by conceding the game’s first goal yet again. After taking a bad touch in the 13th minute, Phil Jagielka lost possession of the ball close to goal which led to a Scott Hogan goal for Birmingham City.
Stoke City have made small and big mistakes too many times this season that have led to the team conceding first in a match. And just like in other matches, from there Stoke City failed to gain attacking consistency. In fact, it wasn’t until Alex Neil went to his bench late in the second half that The Potters gained attacking momentum.
Outside of a few weak attempts on target, for the majority of the first and second half, The Potters never fully threatened The Blues in attack.
After bringing on Liam Delap, Harry Clarke, and Jacob Brown around the 60th minute mark, Stoke City finally were able to break through with a goal. After a ball was deflected into the 18-yard box, Delap made a strong run towards the ball which drew a foul and penalty.
Lewis Baker would bury that penalty with ease and give Stoke City a way back into the match. Unfortunately, by then it was too late for Stoke City though as they still trailed 2-1 after a Birmingham corner led to a goal in the 67th minute.
Ultimately for Stoke City, they just weren’t good enough again. Whether it be mistakes on both conceded goals, the team’s lack of quality with final passes in attack, or even manager Alex Neil’s failure to make changes quick enough on Saturday.
All around, Stoke City have some major soul searching and decisions to make moving forward if they want to avoid a late season relegation battle this year.
Who Stood Out for Stoke City Against Birmingham City?
Josef Bursik, sloppy day:
Bursik had a very forgettable day outside of a couple of moments. Early and often Bursik made some near disastrous decisions with the ball when playing out indirectly.
Then later on in the match, Bursik made the decision to come off his line on a Birmingham corner when he didn’t need to. As a result, Birmingham buried a header far post. Stoke City could have done a better job defending the far post to help out Bursik.
But nonetheless it was a crucial mistake from Bursik who has been normally solid all season.
Phil Jagielka, a rare bad mistake:
Jagielka took a bad touch on the ball in the first half which led to Birmingham’s first goal. It was a rare terrible mistake from the veteran, so he deserves a mulligan. However, it was still a pivotal moment in that match that put Stoke City behind the eight ball against a defensively strong team.
Liam Delap, what’s the deal?:
Delap again didn’t start, but again came on in the second half and made a huge impact. Delap first drew a penalty with a strong run in the box. Then later in the second half would nearly tie the match after making another strong run on the ball.
Delap has kept his momentum going as Stoke City’s best attacking player. So why isn’t he starting more recently? What’s the deal? Neil at the end of the day will have to answer those questions.
Tyrese Campbell, failed to bend his runs:
Campbell had a very poor match Saturday. Campbell just could not stay on-sides and failed to bend or time his runs well. Campbell overall did more harm to Stoke City’s attack than helping it for the most part.