Full Time: Stoke City 1-1 Brentford
Stoke City were unable to claim a win in the Championship once again, as Brentford threatened to come from behind and claim all three points. It was a disappointing performance from the Potters given that they were at home.
Benik Afobe gave them a lead against the run of play, after a terrible mix-up between Brentford defence and the goalkeeper. Ollie Watkins equalised for the visitors in the second half when Neal Maupay played an incisive through ball.
Watkins almost secured the points for the Bees, only for Jack Butland to make an impressive save, which will boost the Englishman’s confidence after a howler last week.
So in a sense, it was a lucky draw from Stoke City’s point of view, who really needed to win this game to kick-start their season.
Stoke Player Ratings
Jack Butland (7)
Made some routine saves, had no chance to save the Brentford equaliser. He came up with a splendid save to keep his team in it late on.
Moritz Bauer (5)
Was a questionable performance in both aspects of the game. He must improve quickly.
Ryan Shawcross (5.5)
Shawcross wasn’t at his best but still kept on defending for the team and tried to lead by example. Should have done better to lead the team though.
Bruno Martins Indi (6)
Made one goal-saving challenge before injury forced him off. Ashley Williams came on to replace him.
Erik Pieters (5.5)
Made some vital challenges to deny the opposition but was off-colour in general.
Darren Fletcher (5.5)
Was composed on the ball and in covering spaces, however, he was caught in possession in a bad situation.
Joe Allen (6)
Needed time to grow into the game after stuttering his way in early exchanges. The Welshman did look comfortable as the game went on.
Tom Ince (7)
Was a constant goal threat from the right-wing. Probably Stoke’s best player on the day.
Bojan (6.5)
The former Barcelona man did try to create chances but was not able to really impact the game.
James McClean (5)
His attitude was great to give everything for the team, unfortunately, the execution wasn’t great most of the time.
Benik Afobe (6.5)
Blew hot and cold in the game. Was alive during the defensive mix-up though, which helped him score a tap-in from close range.
Substitutes
Ashley Williams (Subbed on after 26 mins) (5.5)
Replaced an injured Indi and should have done better for the Brentford equaliser. Otherwise, he was comfortable.
Peter Etebo (Subbed on after 65 mins) (6)
Added intensity and energy to the team and almost played an exquisite ball through on goal.
Peter Crouch (Subbed on after 78 mins) (N/A)
Did not get enough time to impact the game with his aerial prowess.