As the international break approaches, Stoke City fans can feel satisfied with their team’s position in the Championship. After four matches, the Potters have secured two wins, triumphing over Plymouth Argyle and Coventry City, though these successes were offset by losses to West Bromwich Albion and Watford.
The 5-0 demolition of Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup will have undoubtedly lifted spirits, sparking hope that Stoke City can compete at the upper end of the second tier this season.
However, there is still a concern weighing on manager Steven Schumacher’s mind: whether his team possesses the consistent firepower needed to secure victories regularly. While the 5-0 win is promising, it may prove to be an exception rather than the norm, especially given Stoke’s recent difficulties in finding the back of the net in the Championship.
This is where new signing Tom Cannon comes into play. At just 21 years old, he may lack extensive experience, but the glimpses of potential he has shown at Leicester City and Preston North End offer hope that he can emerge as a reliable goal scorer for the Potters.
Stoke City’s struggles up front
Since their return to the Championship in the 2018-19 season, Stoke City has faced significant challenges in their goalscoring efforts. Despite bringing in several high-profile strikers such as Dwight Gayle, Benik Afobe, Tyrese Campbell, and Sam Vokes, these players have failed to make a substantial impact compared to their counterparts at other clubs.
The statistics reveal an even bleaker scenario, with Jacob Brown’s 13 goals in 45 games during the 2021-22 season being the highest individual tally at the club in recent years. Moreover, no Stoke player has surpassed 15 league goals since Peter Thorne managed this feat in the 2000-01 season.
The problem extends beyond just the strikers; the entire team has struggled with goal contributions. The highest goal tally Stoke has achieved since their Championship return was 62 goals in the 2019-20 season. As a result, the team will be looking to new signing Tom Cannon to make a significant impact. If Cannon can deliver, Stoke’s chances of contending for play-off spots could improve as the season progresses.
Stoke City could have the answer in Cannon
With Tom Cannon secured on loan for the season, manager Steven Schumacher is aware of the need to maximize the limited time available to develop the young striker.
So far, several players have taken on the striker role for Stoke, including 18-year-old Lewis Koumas, who scored against West Bromwich Albion last weekend. However, Cannon, who has been given the number nine shirt, appears to be Schumacher’s first-choice forward. Despite having only 33 games of Championship experience, Cannon’s experience surpasses that of other available options.
While Cannon’s record isn’t extraordinary, it’s respectable. As of September 2nd, he has scored ten goals in the Championship, averaging a goal every two and a half games. If he can maintain fitness and improve upon this ratio, he could become a significant asset for Stoke.
| Tom Cannon’s Championship Stats so far (FotMob) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Expected Goals |
| 2022-23 | Preston North End | 20 | 1,678 | 8 | 5.06 |
| 2023-24 | Leicester City | 13 | 423 | 2 | 1.54 |
Cannon’s physical attributes as a classic striker, coupled with the experience gained from learning alongside one of the Championship’s top strikers, Jamie Vardy, should have enhanced his game considerably. Setting a target of 17-18 goals for the season could be within reach for Cannon. Achieving this milestone would greatly benefit Stoke City, who are eager to break free from several seasons of mediocrity and compete for play-off positions.
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