Get the scoop on the bet365 Stadium’s response as Stoke City crush Bristol City on the Championship season’s last day.
Stoke City fans erupted in cheers for Steven Schumacher as their team dominated Bristol City, clinching their third consecutive win. These victories, against Plymouth Argyle, Southampton, and now Bristol City, have exemplified Stoke’s resurgence in the closing stages of the season, defying their league position.
The match against Bristol City showcased Stoke’s prowess from the outset, with Luke Cundle, Tyrese Campbell, and Million Manhoef securing a 3-0 lead by halftime. Manhoef added another goal early in the second half, with Bae Junho and Cundle both unlucky not to score as they hit the woodwork.
This winning streak marks only the third time since 2016 that Stoke has achieved three consecutive victories, elevating them to a 17th-place finish in a tightly contested table with 56 points. These victories were crucial in securing Stoke’s Championship status for the next season, especially given the high points threshold required for safety this season.
Schumacher maintained an unchanged starting lineup for the third successive game, witnessing his team deliver another stellar performance. Stoke attacked with fluidity, aggression, and confidence in front of the largest home crowd of the season. The team executed their mission, as outlined in the pre-match press conference, to inspire optimism for the next season, delivering an outstanding performance. Despite a stroke of luck when Tommy Conway had a goal disallowed for offside, Stoke dominated the game.
The combination play between Manhoef, Cundle, and Junho was exceptional, with Manhoef and Junho coming close to scoring before Cundle broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. Stoke’s goalkeeper, Daniel Iversen, made crucial saves to maintain the lead, including a fine stop with his right foot to deny Scott Twine.
Junho was unfortunate not to score when his shot hit the underside of the bar, but Stoke quickly extended their lead to 2-0 through Campbell’s powerful strike. Manhoef then netted twice, with his second goal a spectacular long-range effort. Cundle also came close to scoring a fifth goal for Stoke.
Stoke’s players received high ratings for their performances, with notable contributions from Iversen, Hoever, Stevens, Wilmot, McNally, Thompson, Laurent, Cundle, Manhoef, Junho, and Campbell. Substitutes Lowe, Sidibe, Tchamadeu, Burger, and Leris also made positive impacts when they came on during the game.