Stoke City emerged victorious over Oxford United with a 2-1 win in a tightly contested Championship fixture at the Bet365 Stadium. Lamine Cissé opened the scoring for Stoke in the 36th minute, only for Oxford's Ciaron Brown to equalize just before halftime. The second half saw Jesurun Rak-Sakyi netting the decisive goal in the 57th minute, securing crucial points for the home side.
Early Lead and Quick Response
The match began with a brisk pace, as Stoke's M. Talovierov received a yellow card within the first ten minutes. Lamine Cissé capitalized on a well-timed pass from Million Manhoef to put the hosts ahead. However, Oxford responded swiftly, as S. Mills set up Ciaron Brown for an equalizer in the 44th minute, ensuring the teams went into the break on level terms.
Rak-Sakyi's Decisive Finish
After the break, Stoke regained their lead when Jesurun Rak-Sakyi found the back of the net with assistance from S. Thomas. Despite Oxford's efforts, which included several substitutions to freshen up their attack, they struggled to break down a resolute Stoke defense. The visitors managed only two shots on target throughout the match, highlighting their offensive challenges.
Stoke's Commanding Possession
Stoke dominated possession with 61%, reflecting their control over the game. They registered 21 total shots, compared to Oxford's nine, and crafted eight corner opportunities, showcasing their attacking intent. The midfield, steered by Million Manhoef's impressive dribbling and passing, was pivotal in maintaining Stoke's momentum.
Looking Ahead
This victory marks a vital boost for Stoke, who had previously been underperforming with several draws and losses. Their recent form has been mixed, but this win could reignite their push towards higher standings. Oxford, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address their attacking inefficiencies as they aim to climb the Championship table.
