Stoke City began the new year with a demanding encounter, visiting Burnley on January 1 in what promised to be one of the toughest fixtures of their EFL Championship campaign.
Burnley, sitting second in the table and vying for promotion, provided a stern test. Despite the odds, Stoke City, under the interim management of Ryan Shawcross, delivered a tactically disciplined performance that resulted in a well-earned 0-0 draw.
The match showcased a competitive and entertaining battle, with both teams creating numerous chances. Stoke City registered 14 shots, three of which were on target, including one that struck the post. Burnley, meanwhile, tallied 18 attempts, with two on target. While the game lacked goals, it was an engaging contest that left both sides reflecting on missed opportunities.
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Positives for Stoke City
This result comes during a period of transition for Stoke City following the departure of Narcís Pèlach as head coach. Ryan Shawcross has stepped in on an interim basis and is already making a positive impression with his approach.
The draw against a top-tier side like Burnley demonstrates Stoke’s ability to compete against strong opposition and provides a platform for improvement as they look to climb the table.
A hard-fought and deserved point for the Potters, who almost won it at the death through Gallagher. pic.twitter.com/VwUZO7qA2T
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) January 1, 2025
The point earned at Turf Moor keeps Stoke City in 19th place with 26 points from 25 matches. While they remain just four points above the relegation zone, this performance offers hope for better results in the coming fixtures. Burnley, on the other hand, maintains its strong position in second place with 49 points, continuing its push for promotion.
Looking Ahead: A Must-Win Match
Stoke City’s attention now turns to their next match on January 4 against Plymouth Argyle, who sit at the bottom of the league table. Playing at home, this fixture presents a crucial opportunity for Stoke to secure three points and widen the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
As Stoke City works to regain consistency, performances like the one against Burnley highlight their potential to turn the season around. A victory against Plymouth Argyle could be the momentum boost the team needs to start climbing the EFL Championship standings.