Stoke City fans admitted their team was not good enough after they lost 3-1 to Leeds United in their first Sky Bet Championship game in ten years.
Even though the Potters were relegated from the Premier League last season, there was some optimism going into this season. New head coach Gary Rowett has a good reputation in this league from spells with Birmingham City and Derby County and they have also spent a lot of money on top quality players. But they were set to face a tough Leeds side on opening day, they themselves optimistic following the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa as their new head coach.
But despite all the money Stoke had spent it was Leeds who would striker first. Mateusz Klich, who earned a start after impressing in pre-season, scored the opener when he slammed the ball past Jack Butland. And then to make things even worse, just before the half ended Pablo Hernandez was able to score when his shot was able to go under Butland.
In the second half Stoke did give their fans hope when Benik Afobe scored from the spot. The penalty was given after Barry Douglas fouled debutant Tom Ince in the box. But Leeds rallied and were able to seal the win when club captain Liam Cooper headed in from a corner.
Stoke fans were left deflated after the match as they were shown the Championship was much better than the last time they were here. But many were ready to admit they were simply not as good as Leeds on the day.
90mins to kill any optimism. Some going to get worse than last season #scfc
— Daniel Marson (@dan_marson) August 5, 2018
If we keep playing like that we'll soon turn into just another championship team. If we aren't promoted at first time of asking all of the big players will be gone! Put it right Rowett!!! #StokeCity #scfc
— Dan Deavall 🇺🇦 (@DanDeavall) August 5, 2018
Need a new left back, the ENTIRE midfield needs a good kicking and we need another wide man. McLean good workhorse but no quality. Ince and Afobe completely isolated. FFS Stoke. #SCFC
— Jacob (@jacob_ntd) August 5, 2018
Looked tired and slow today, 2nd to everything and couldn’t string 2 passes together, Brentford at Home next #UTMP #SCFC
— Jamie 🏃🏻♂️🐸 (@Jamie_2205) August 5, 2018
As expected, agile, quick players causing us trouble. Defence line for offside shambolic! #SCFC
— Matthew Kirby (@m_kirby95) August 5, 2018
It's a well written tale of relegated teams walking into games expecting to win. We will be a team to beat for at least half the season or more and playing like today isn't good enough #scfc
— Daniel Horton (@dinwel) August 5, 2018
