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Stoke City Struggles Continue After Tough Draw Against Cardiff City

• On December 14, Stoke City faced a challenging match against Cardiff City, salvaging a late 2-2 draw despite a lackluster performance.
• With 21 matches played, Stoke sits in 17th place in the EFL Championship with 22 points, dangerously close to the relegation zone.
• The team is now seven games without a win, raising concerns about the direction under manager Narcís Pelach.

ByOscar Cortes|
Stoke City Struggles Continue After Tough Draw Against Cardiff City
Stoke City Struggles Continue After Tough Draw Against Cardiff City | Molly Darlington/GettyImages

Following the draw against Cardiff, Stoke City’s record now stands at 5 wins, 7 draws, and 9 losses. These results have left the team just five points above the relegation zone, currently occupied by Portsmouth with 17 points from 19 matches.

With Portsmouth having games in hand, Stoke City faces the real threat of being dragged further down the table if their poor form continues.

This is the club’s seventh consecutive game without a win, with their last victory dating back to November 6 against Blackburn Rovers.

Since then, Stoke has managed just four draws and suffered three defeats. The prolonged slump has put manager Narcís Pelach under scrutiny as he struggles to find solutions for a talented but underperforming squad.

READ MORE: Ben Gibson Shines Amid Stoke City’s Struggles in a 2-2 Draw Against Cardiff

Inconsistencies and Tactical Concerns

Despite having promising young players and flashes of individual brilliance, Stoke City continues to falter as a collective unit.

A major issue lies in their inability to create and convert chances, often looking disorganized in the final third. This lack of cohesion has been a significant factor in their recent struggles, leaving fans and analysts questioning the tactical approach.

Eyes on the January Transfer Window

With the winter transfer window approaching, Stoke City is likely to explore reinforcements to address their deficiencies.

One of the key priorities will be finding a creative playmaker who can effectively link the midfield and attack. The absence of a player capable of driving the team forward has been evident, and bringing in such a player could help turn their season around.

A Crucial Period Ahead

As 2025 approaches, Stoke City must make critical decisions to stabilize their season. Whether through tactical adjustments, squad improvements, or both, the club must act swiftly to avoid falling into the relegation battle.

For now, the pressure is on Narcís Pelach and the administration to chart a clear path forward in what has become a critical campaign.

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