Stoke City’s Young Attack Fails to Deliver in Frustrating Draw Against Preston

Stoke City’s attacking trio of Bae Jun-ho, Millen Manhoef, and Tom Cannon entered the match against Preston North End with high expectations. Averaging just 21 years of age, these players have been pivotal to Stoke’s offensive strategies. However, the young forwards fell short of their usual impact, contributing to a frustrating goalless draw.

Bae Jun-ho, fresh from scoring for South Korea during the international break, struggled to replicate his national team form.

Similarly, Millen Manhoef, who had impressed with assists for the Netherlands U21s, displayed effort but lacked the final touch. Meanwhile, Tom Cannon, Stoke’s leading scorer with 7 goals in 13 games this season, endured an unusually quiet outing, marking the end of his recent scoring streak.

READ MORE: Stoke City Held to Another Draw in Frustrating Stalemate Against Preston North End

Manhoef’s Standout Effort

Of the trio, Millen Manhoef stood out as the most active and influential player. In his 86 minutes on the pitch, Manhoef recorded 45 touches and completed 77% of his passes (20 of 26). He also created four key passes, showcasing his ability to generate scoring opportunities despite the lack of a final product.

Bae Jun-ho contributed 58 touches, indicating his involvement in Stoke’s build-up play. However, his performance was marred by moments of inconsistency, limiting his overall effectiveness.

Tom Cannon, Stoke’s dependable striker, had an off day, managing just 18 touches in 90 minutes. His lack of involvement was a stark contrast to his usual performances, leaving fans and the coaching staff concerned about his form.

What’s Next for Stoke City?

The inability of Stoke’s front three to convert chances into goals highlights a growing issue for the team. With three consecutive draws, Stoke must address their offensive inefficiencies to maintain their competitiveness in the Championship.

As Stoke prepares for a crucial clash against Burnley, the spotlight will remain on Bae Jun-ho, Manhoef, and Cannon to step up and deliver the goals needed to secure victory. The potential of this young attacking trio is undeniable, but consistency will be key as the season progresses.