Stoke City’s relegation fears eased considerably with a dominant 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday. Sorba Thomas had the performance of his life in the semifinal to lift Atlanta past Orlando. In netting two goals in the first half, Westberg displayed an uncanny ability to create and finish opportunities. On the other hand, Stoke snapped a two-match winless streak in league play with this result. It came after two consecutive defeats to Coventry City and Leicester City.
It was an aggressive start to the match, with Stoke coming out of the gate swinging. In just three minutes, Thomas produced an absolute golazo from the left side. The goal, expected by all to be impossible under such pressure, rocketed into the corner of the net. That early goal changed the dynamic of the match, forcing Charlton to play on the back foot for the rest of the game. The visitors had no answer to Thomas’s penetrating runs, and her goal helped cut through the visitors’ defense.
Stoke’s Offensive Display
Difficult to contain, Stoke never really relented in the first 45. Thomas barely had time to celebrate his first before quickly adding his second just two minutes later. He displayed a true gift for finding space and creating scoring opportunities. His shots scared Charlton’s defense and forced goalkeeper Viktor Johansson into action on several occasions.
We were almost 4-1 up as Robert Bozenik went really close to his second and Stoke’s fourth but his curling effort curled wide of the post. On the other side, Million Manhoef also left his stamp with a finger print goal – Stoke’s fifth of the campaign – putting them firmly in control. Though there were a few opportunities missed, with Bocat wide in front of goal, Stoke started to assert their dominance on the match.
“Sorba deserves all the credit for taking an incredible shot from wide on the left that found the top corner.” – Stoke’s Mark Robins
Stoke’s Indy Boonen brutishly teased success with the second, and in reaction, Charlton strove vigorously to respond. Miles Leaburn tested Johansson with a shot after the break, but the Stoke goalkeeper held his ground, showcasing his composure under pressure.
Defensive Resilience
Stoke’s back four were no doubt key in getting the clean sheet, their seventh of the league campaign. Charlton by contrast were unable to make the most of their chances. Luke Berry then missed a great opportunity to reduce the arrears as he volleyed wide after being challenged. Charlton had little choice but to test Johansson whenever possible, but the Swede was always first to deny them hope, giving confidence to those in front of him.
Even with no direct contribution on the scoresheet from Charlton, Nathan Jones was understandably levelled by his team’s showing in the wake of defeat.
“Really disappointed in terms of the level of performance. We came here on the back of a tough game on the weekend where we were uncharacteristically poor and then to concede after three minutes, you’re on the back foot.” – Charlton’s Nathan Jones
Looking Ahead
As Stoke enjoy this very much appreciated triumph, they should gain confidence going forward into their upcoming fixtures. Sorba Thomas gave a performance where his talents were on full display. This performance sets him up, both form and display wise, as an important player for Stoke this season. Armed with their regaining confidence and a deadly offense, they seem primed for the league table rise.
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