Eom Ji-sung and Bae Jun-ho Misfire as Swansea and Stoke Stumble to Stalemate in Goalless Draw

06/10/2024 Raymond 0

The first Korean derby of the 2024-25 Championship season saw Eom Ji-sung’s Swansea City and Bae Jun-ho’s Stoke City battle to a goalless draw. Both midfielders started the match but were unable to make a decisive impact before joining the Korean national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite Swansea’s 19 shots and Stoke’s 10, neither team could break the deadlock. As the Championship pauses for the international break, Eom and Bae head into national duty in solid form, offering manager Hong Myung-bo versatile options in the absence of Son Heung-min.

Stoke City’s Forgotten Star Earns Dramatic Comeback Under New Boss

01/10/2024 Raymond 0

Andre Vidigal’s fortunes at Stoke City have taken a dramatic turn following a change in head coach. Previously, the 26-year-old forward had only appeared as an unused substitute in one match this season, largely sidelined by former boss Steven Schumacher, who was reportedly dissatisfied with Vidigal’s fitness and tendency to seek in-game treatment. Despite this, Vidigal remained upbeat and turned down offers to leave the club, perhaps sensing that Schumacher’s tenure would be short-lived. His patience has now paid off, as new head coach Narcis Pelach has brought him back into contention. Though Vidigal showed signs of rust in a recent appearance against Middlesbrough, Pelach is optimistic about his potential, seeing him as a valuable option in a forward line that has struggled to deliver this season.