'This squad is growing and learning' - Ben Gibsonpublished at 10:32 GMT 8 November 2024
10:32 GMT 8 November 2024
Image source, Rex Features
Image caption,
Ben Gibson has featured in all 14 of Stoke's Championship matches this season
Stoke City captain Ben Gibson believes their inexperienced squad is learning how to win in different ways.
The Potters are looking for a third successive victory when they host in-form Millwall on Saturday. They had failed to win their previous four Championship matches under Narcis Pelach.
"We're young, we're inexperienced - it's about know-how and finding a way (to win)," Gibson told BBC Radio Stoke.
"We want to play free flowing football and for every night to be like Portsmouth at home was but that's not going to be the case."
Gibson moved to the bet365 Stadium from Norwich City in the summer where Pelach was briefly first-team coach.
"We know that this squad is growing and learning and it's becoming really enjoyable, " Gibson added.
"It's been a really good week and we can make it an excellent week if we win that game but Millwall are going really well and it's a tough game."
Viktor Johansson shines in 2-0 win at Blackburn Roverspublished at 10:56 GMT 7 November 2024
10:56 GMT 7 November 2024
Image caption,
A Cold Wet Tuesday Night
Stoke City's 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers made it back to back league wins for the first time this season for the Potters.
In the latest episode of BBC Radio Stoke's 'A Cold Wet Tuesday Night' podcast, Lucas Yeomans and George Weaver (aka Potterlytics) discuss the brilliance of goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and head coach Narcís Pèlach's first away win.
"If I could give out three man of the match awards I would give all three to Viktor Johansson."
"We competed very well, the belief and the fight was at the maximum level we could offer," Pelach told BBC Radio Stoke.
"The first 20 minutes we knew would be difficult and we prepared for that, we talked about being competitive and then waiting for our moment.
"The team has been brilliant in terms of effort, energy and desire and you have to make sure you stay in games and we did it."
Stoke are at home to in-form Millwall on Saturday before the international break.
"Back-to-back wins is important because it brings confidence to the team but it's just a win, we need to put it to bed quickly and think about the next game against Millwall."
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Stoke boss Narcis Pelach talks to BBC Radio Stoke after their 2-0 win at Blackburn
'Many could learn from him'published at 12:16 GMT 6 November 2024
12:16 GMT 6 November 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Tatsuki Seko
After Narcís Pèlach described Tatsuki Seko as 'exceptional' you've been giving us your thoughts on the Japanese midfielder.
Dean - Really got something we have been crying out for. Hopefully him coming in the side will see a change in results and we fly up the table.
Steve - Having watched the Derby game I can honestly say that’s the first time in a long time I felt like we couldn’t lose. We seemed more composed, particularly after the own goal. Burger is back dictating in midfield and Stevens looked a threat. Tchamadeu showed some decent skills and overall we looked a lot more balanced.
Bob - Brilliant addition in respect of energy and attitude.
Paul - Tatsuki provides energy, pace and drive to compliment Junho. I totally agree with the manager's thoughts about Tatsuki's respectful attitude. Many could learn from him. Good luck Tatsuki
Connor - Stoke City are a team who I believe are more than capable of challenging for the play-offs, but inconsistency has been the issue for years and hopefully Narcis Pelach implements that into the team because they’ve got some cracking players. If Pelach can get a style that fits Stoke then they will do well
Adrian - Seko will be a major asset to Stoke, but fans have to understand the lack of football time he has had in the last 3 months. We don't want to put too much on him at this early stage and lose his future forever.
"Seko has been exceptional, you don't find many players like Tatsuki. He's a great example of a teammate and the culture and character he has.
"He has not been playing under me until Southampton and he never knocked on my door, he respected my space and never asked why, he just went to training and did the best he could."
The Potters head coach went on to say that he has to manage Seko carefully given his lack of football over the last 3 months.
"Of course I have to be cautious because he is a good player and I really feel like he can give us a lot. He will represent the values of Stoke City very well, I want players like that."
What do you think about Tatsuki Seko? Let us know here, external.
Pick of the stats - Blackburn Rovers v Stoke Citypublished at 13:33 GMT 4 November 2024
13:33 GMT 4 November 2024
Image source, BBC Sport
Image caption,
Blackburn Rovers v Stoke City
Stoke City will aim to pick up their second away win of the Championship season when they visit Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night. Narcis Pelach’s side have won one of their past five games (D3, L1), while Rovers are without a win in three (D1, L2).
Blackburn completed a league double over Stoke last season and are looking for three wins in a row against them for the first time since a run of five between 1988 and 2008.
Blackburn’s Tyrhys Dolan scored twice in that match - the first time he had done so in the league.
Blackburn have not won a midweek league game since a 2-1 win over Bristol City in December 2023 (D3, L4 since), failing to score in six of those seven games.
Stoke have failed to win or score in each of their past four away league games (D1, L3). The Potters have not gone five successive league games on the road without scoring outside the top-flight since August 1997 (a run of nine).
Pick of the stats - Sheff Utd v Stoke Citypublished at 16:29 BST 25 October 2024
16:29 BST 25 October 2024
Image source, BBC Sport
Image caption,
Sheff Utd v Stoke City
Stoke City will look to extend their undefeated run to five games when they take on Sheffield United on Saturday. Narcís Pèlach's side have picked up six points from a possible 12.
Sheffield United have won six of their last 10 home league games against Stoke City (D2 L2), winning each of the last two.
The home team has won each of the last four league meetings between Sheffield United and Stoke City.
Sheffield United have won their last four home league games without conceding and could win five a row at Bramhall Lane while also keeping a clean sheet in each victory for the first time since March 2019 (7).
Stoke City have failed to score in their last three away league games (D1 L2), last going goalless in four successive away matches in the same season in April 2017 in the Premier League.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is unbeaten in six previous league meetings with Stoke City (W2 D4) with AFC Wimbledon (12) the only team he has faced more often in league matches without losing as a manager.
'There is a lack of players able to find space in the forward lines'published at 15:15 BST 24 October 2024
15:15 BST 24 October 2024
Image caption,
A Cold Wet Tuesday Night
Stoke City let a two goal lead slip at home to Bristol City on Tuesday night to draw 2-2.
In the latest episode of BBC Radio Stoke's 'A Cold Wet Tuesday Night' podcast, Lucas Yeomans and George Weaver (aka Potterlytics) discuss what went wrong and the heroics of Viktor Johansson in the Potters goal.
"I think we got away with it with the help of Viktor Johansson, he made some world class saves."