, Match Report: West Brom 0-1 Stoke City

Match Report: West Brom 0-1 Stoke City

West Bromwich Albion were stunned by Stoke City at the Hawthorns as the league leaders were beaten 1-0 by the relegation strugglers.

A goal from Tyrese Campbell following mistakes in the Albion defence was enough to see Michael O’Neill’s men take all three points in the Midlands.

Slaven Bilic made two changes to his starting line-up as Grady Diangana returned to the starting XI after injury whilst Semi Ajayi made way for Ahmed Hegazi in defence.

Stoke started with former West Brom man James McClean out wide on the left with Tom Ince on the right wing with Tyrese Campbell, son of former Albion striker Kevin Campbell, upfront on his own.

Just two minutes into the game Diangana’s return was cut short as the West Ham loanee pulled up with what Bilic confirmed was a hamstring injury and was replaced by Kenneth Zohore.

Albion almost opened the scoring a few minutes later when good work from Phillips saw the ball worked to Darnell Furlong in the box who cut back for Pereira who shot wide.

Stoke were clearly set up with almost everyone behind the ball to defend and soak up pressure however they were gifted the lead in the ninth minute.

Jake Livermore passed the ball straight to Powell in the middle of the park who then lifted the ball over the defence with Conor Townsend out of position with Hegazi trying to clear but steered the ball off Ince which fell to Campbell who made no mistake and slotted past Johnstone.

Albion huffed and puffed as the half wore on but the frustration was clear to see with Pereira lucky to escape punishment for an altercation with Joe Allen.

Phillips saw a fizzing effort from 25-yards fly narrowly over and Pereira went close with a free-kick but the Baggies failed to create any real clear cut chances.

As the second half began, Stoke continued their defensive set up with West Brom playing the football almost entirely in the Potters half. They were playing with urgency and looked desperate to get the equaliser.

Despite the Albion pressure, Stoke could have taken a 2-0 lead with Gregory going close with a shot he pulled wide.

With 15 minutes to go, Bilic made a double change with Chris Brunt and Charlie Austin replacing Townsend and Robson-Kanu.

Albion forced a few corners and were completely in the ascendancy but Stoke managed to see out the game in what was a hugely frustrating encounter for Slaven Bilic and his side with their winless run now stretching to six league games.

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