In a tense Championship encounter, West Brom and Stoke City battled to a goalless draw at The Hawthorns. Despite a handful of chances for both sides, neither team could find the back of the net, with resolute defending and a lack of clinical finishing defining the afternoon.
Chances and Caution in the First Half
The first half saw both teams toeing the line between caution and ambition. Early yellow cards for Alex Mowatt of West Brom and Ben Wilmot of Stoke City set a tone of physicality, yet clear chances were hard to come by. Stoke managed three shots on goal, while West Brom tested the keeper twice, but solid defensive work from both sides kept the scoreline unchanged.
Substitutions Fail to Break the Deadlock
The second half was marked by strategic substitutions, but they failed to inject the necessary creativity into either side’s attack. West Brom made three changes in the 62nd minute, bringing on fresh legs to bolster their approach, while Stoke City followed suit with their own tactical adjustments, including a late introduction of Ben Pearson in extra time. Despite these changes, the match ended in a stalemate.
Defensive Solidity and Midfield Battles
The midfield battle was fiercely contested, with Daryl Dike and Chris Mepham standing out for West Brom. Dike’s involvement in 12 duels highlighted his effort to influence proceedings, while Mepham’s three interceptions demonstrated his defensive acumen. For Stoke, Wilmot’s eight duels won underscored his reliability at the back, ensuring that West Brom rarely threatened the goal.
Looking Forward
West Brom will be looking to improve their recent form, having failed to win in their last two matches, while Stoke City will aim to build on their resilient performance. As both sides reflect on missed opportunities, their focus will shift to converting draws into victories to climb the Championship standings.
