Tom Cannon has a positive performance in Stoke City's defeat

Stoke City entered the match against Luton Town hoping to secure a vital victory to climb the EFL Championship table.

The game started positively for the visitors, with Tom Cannon giving the team an early lead in the 10th minute. Cannon’s precise finish offered a glimmer of hope that Stoke could control the game and take home three points.

Cannon was a standout figure in the match, demonstrating his skill and determination despite the team’s struggles. The 21-year-old striker recorded 30 touches, attempted 21 passes with an accuracy of 52%, and engaged in 15 aerial duels, winning five. His efforts highlighted his commitment to leading Stoke’s attack, but the team as a whole struggled to capitalize on his contributions.

READ MORE: Stoke City Falls to Luton Town in a Dramatic 2-1 Loss

Defensive Struggles Persist

Despite their promising start, Stoke City’s defensive vulnerabilities resurfaced, allowing Luton Town to stage a comeback. Carlton Morris equalized in the first half, and Stoke failed to regain control of the game. The defensive lapses were evident as Luton created chances with minimal effort, taking advantage of a backline that lacked cohesion.

Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson once again proved his worth, making crucial saves to keep Stoke in the match. However, the defensive support around him faltered, leaving the team exposed to Luton’s counterattacks.

A Crushing Finish

As the match approached its conclusion, Stoke appeared to settle for a draw. But in the 90th minute, Elijah Adebayo scored the decisive goal for Luton Town, sealing the 2-1 victory. The late winner was a crushing blow for Stoke, whose inability to secure points from winnable games continues to raise concerns.

Troubles Mount for Stoke City

This defeat marks a critical moment in Stoke’s season. With three consecutive losses and no wins in six matches, the team has dropped to 17th in the standings. The looming threat of falling further, as teams below them have games in hand, adds to the mounting pressure on Narcís Pelach and his squad.

While Tom Cannon remains a bright spot with his consistent performances, Stoke’s lack of defensive solidity and inability to convert chances into goals have left them in a precarious position. The team must urgently find solutions to turn their season around and avoid slipping closer to the relegation zone.