November was a busy month for Stoke City, with six matches in the EFL Championship testing the team’s resilience and consistency.
Following a difficult October, Stoke showed signs of improvement, with Narcís Pelach guiding the squad to a more structured and cohesive style of play. The manager’s emphasis on creating a clear identity for the team has begun to bear fruit, especially in the early part of the month.
READ MORE: Stoke City Announces November Player of the Month Nominees
A Month of Mixed Results
Stoke City started strong with a 2-1 victory over Derby County and a commanding 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers. These results raised hopes among fans, showcasing the team’s potential to compete at a high level. However, the momentum was disrupted as the month progressed.
Post-International Break Challenges
The team faced Millwall on November 9, earning a 1-1 draw in a tightly contested match. After the international break, Stoke returned to action but struggled to regain its winning form.
Consecutive 1-1 draws against Queen’s Park Rangers and Preston North End highlighted the team’s inability to capitalize on key opportunities. The month concluded on a disappointing note with a 2-0 loss to Burnley at home on November 30.
Pèlach: Clarets were more clinical.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 30, 2024
Post-match reaction from the boss 👇 pic.twitter.com/5daM7tFqTq
Despite these setbacks, the overall performance in November marked an improvement compared to October. Stoke demonstrated greater discipline and organization, key attributes instilled by Pelach’s management.
Building Towards a Stronger Finish
Stoke City remains in a transitional phase, working to climb the EFL Championship table and establish itself as a contender for promotion to the Premier League. Pelach’s leadership, coupled with the contributions of several key players, has sparked optimism for the rest of the season.
However, the team must address its inconsistency and maintain focus in the weeks ahead. As the calendar year comes to a close, Stoke City faces crucial fixtures that will test its resolve and ability to stay competitive in one of England’s most challenging leagues.
The progress made in November is a step in the right direction, but there’s still work to be done to achieve the ultimate goal of returning to the Premier League.