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Ben Gibson Shines Amid Stoke City’s Struggles in a 2-2 Draw Against Cardiff

• Ben Gibson made his return to Stoke City’s starting lineup in a dramatic encounter against Cardiff City, delivering a mixed performance in a game full of highs and lows.
• Despite a solid individual display, Gibson’s own goal in the second half almost cost Stoke City the match before he redeemed himself with a last-minute equalizer.
• The draw extends Stoke City’s winless streak to seven games, leaving the team dangerously close to the relegation zone.

ByOscar Cortes|
Ben Gibson Shines Amid Stoke City’s Struggles in a 2-2 Draw Against Cardiff
Ben Gibson Shines Amid Stoke City’s Struggles in a 2-2 Draw Against Cardiff | Molly Darlington/GettyImages

Ben Gibson’s return to the starting XI brought much-needed stability to Stoke’s defensive line. Absent in recent matches due to fitness concerns, the 31-year-old showed his value in this crucial encounter, playing the full 90 minutes. Despite his efforts, the game proved to be far from straightforward for Stoke City.

The team initially appeared to have control, taking an early lead in the 17th minute through Andrew Moran. However, Cardiff equalized before halftime, and the game became an uphill battle. In the second half, a moment of misfortune struck Gibson, as he inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 72nd minute, giving Cardiff a 2-1 advantage.

READ MORE: Stoke City 2-2 Cardiff City: A painful draw for The Potters

A Heroic Redemption

Rather than letting the own goal define his performance, Gibson fought back. As Stoke pressed for an equalizer, it was Gibson himself who came to the rescue. In the dying moments of the match, the defender connected with a pinpoint cross from Lynden Gooch, heading home the crucial equalizer in the 95th minute to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Solid Defensive Contributions

Beyond the high-profile moments, Gibson’s overall performance was commendable. He completed 69 of his 85 attempted passes, achieving a solid 81% accuracy.

Defensively, he recorded three clearances, two blocked shots, and won two of his five aerial duels. Paired alongside the young Ashley Phillips, Gibson worked tirelessly to maintain composure in a game that tested Stoke’s defensive resilience.

Stoke City’s Struggles Continue

The draw, while dramatic, highlights Stoke City’s ongoing struggles. Narcís Pelach’s squad is now winless in seven consecutive matches, with four draws and three defeats in that span. The team currently sits 17th in the Championship, only five points above the relegation zone.

Stoke City fans and players alike are growing increasingly concerned as the club faces mounting pressure to reverse their fortunes. While Gibson’s contributions in this match provided a silver lining, the team must find a way to end their winless streak and climb out of their precarious position in the table.

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