Stoke City finally found relief in a challenging season as they secured a crucial victory against Sunderland, one of the league’s top-performing teams.
The win came under interim manager Ryan Shawcross, who stepped in following the dismissal of Narcis Pelach. Sunderland, ranked fourth in the EFL Championship, arrived as heavy favorites, but Stoke defied the odds to claim a dramatic 1-0 win.
The match was a defensive battle in the first half, with Stoke City holding firm despite Sunderland’s dominance in possession. The visitors controlled 55% of the ball, but Stoke’s determination kept the game level at halftime. The home side's resilience was evident throughout, as they played with a renewed spirit under Shawcross, buoyed by a raucous Bet365 Stadium crowd.
READ MORE: Stoke City Parts Ways with Narcis Pelach Amid Disappointing Season
A surprise for the end of the match
The second half saw both teams push for a breakthrough, with Stoke City showing a more attacking intent. Despite Sunderland’s control, it was Tom Cannon who emerged as the hero for Stoke, scoring a brilliant goal in the 92nd minute to secure the victory. The stoppage-time strike sent the fans into wild celebrations, marking a much-needed morale boost for the struggling team.
Three precious points for Shawcross' Potters. pic.twitter.com/GRxuxxPSKp
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) December 29, 2024
While Sunderland ended the match with superior possession, Stoke City’s compact defense and counterattacking opportunities proved decisive. The win not only ended their nine-game drought but also demonstrated that Stoke City still has the fight to climb up the table.
Stoke City have a tough task ahead of them this season
The victory elevates Stoke City to 18th place in the standings, now with 25 points from 24 matches. While the team remains in a precarious position, this result offers hope for a turnaround in the second half of the season. With no permanent manager yet, Shawcross’s successful debut as interim coach raises questions about his potential role moving forward.
For Stoke City fans, this win is a glimmer of hope, showing that the team still has the quality and determination to compete. The focus now shifts to building on this momentum as they prepare for the challenges of 2025.