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Stoke City Sinks Further: Concerning Performance Against Sheffield Wednesday

• Stoke City suffered a disheartening defeat against Sheffield Wednesday, despite having a numerical advantage for most of the match.
• The team failed to capitalize on their dominant possession and chances, raising concerns about their lack of effectiveness in front of goal.
• With eight matches without a win, Stoke City now sits 19th in the EFL Championship, just four points above the relegation zone.

ByOscar Cortes|
Stoke City Sinks Further: Concerning Performance Against Sheffield Wednesday
Stoke City Sinks Further: Concerning Performance Against Sheffield Wednesday | Cameron Smith/GettyImages

Stoke City had a bitter encounter, where Narcis Pelach cannot seem to find the team's formula and sinks in the EFL Championship table.

In what could have been a turning point for Stoke City, the team faltered against a ten-man Sheffield Wednesday side. Despite controlling the game statistically:

  • Possession: Stoke City dominated with 60%, compared to Sheffield’s 40%.
  • Shots: Stoke managed 15 total shots (4 on target), while Sheffield Wednesday had just 6 shots (4 on target).

The lack of finishing proved costly, as Stoke’s missed opportunities—including a crucial missed penalty by Tom Cannon in the 82nd minute—allowed their opponents to seal the victory.

READ MORE: Sheffield Wed 2-0 Stoke City: Narcis Pelach continues his EFL Championship slide

Individual Struggles

Several key players have seen their form decline, contributing to Stoke’s ongoing struggles:

  1. Tom Cannon:Once in strong goal-scoring form, Cannon has seen his impact dwindle, highlighted by his missed penalty that could have changed the game.
  2. Lewis Koumas:The midfielder, who started the season brightly, has failed to maintain his early momentum, leaving gaps in creativity for the team.
  3. Bae Jun-ho:The South Korean player, brought on in the 59th minute, offered little in terms of creativity or impact, failing to provide the spark Stoke City needed to overturn the deficit.

A Troubling Position

With 22 points in 22 matches, Stoke City is averaging just one point per game—a worrying statistic as they hover dangerously close to the relegation zone. The team has not secured a win in their last eight matches, and with performances like the one against Sheffield Wednesday, the outlook for the remainder of the season is bleak.

Managerial Uncertainty

Manager Narcís Pelach is under increasing pressure as results continue to disappoint. While there is still half a season to play, the club’s current trajectory raises serious doubts about his ability to turn things around. Stoke City’s struggles reflect broader issues, from player form to tactical inefficiencies, leaving the club’s management with tough decisions as they approach the second half of the season.

For Stoke City, the need for immediate improvement is undeniable. If the team cannot break their winless streak soon, the threat of relegation will loom larger, making the remainder of the season a fight for survival.

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