Stoke City were hammered by Leeds United a few days back in the Championship, but they showed good spirit in the League Cup tie as they surprisingly went past Leeds United in the second round. This is United’s first loss of the season even though they didn’t lose in normal time as Stoke won on penalties as the full-time score was 2-2.
Leeds United dominated the possession, but the Potters looked threatening every time they got the ball on the break. With just 35 percent possession, Stoke managed ten attempts on goal in the first 45. The first goal came through a corner as Danny Batth headed from the set-piece. The second goal came just 5 minutes later in the 44th minute as Campbell assisted from the byline for Sam Vokes who didn’t make any mistake in converting the chance to give the visitors a 2-0 advantage at half time.
The home team came back in the game through a sloppy piece of goalkeeping from Butland as his clearance hit his defender and Nketiah slotted the ball in goal to give United hope. The Whites added more pressure, and they were finally rewarded with the equaliser in the 81st minute as Davis set up Costa who made it 2-2. The game straight away headed to the penalties. Jack Harrison missed the final spot-kick for the Whites as all others kicks from both the sides were scored, and Stoke City ran out 5-4 winners in the shoot out.
Kiko Casilla 6
Couldn’t have done much to prevent the goal. Apart from that did his job well. Guessed right for quite a few penalties but credit to Stoke players as they buried it in the corner every time.
Gaetano Berardi 7
Had to be at his best and did defensively alright when others were struggling to cope up with the challenge. Made some good decisions and timed his tackles well.
Kalvin Phillips 6.5
Started at the back in the first 45 and didn’t look at his best. Improved as he was shifted in the defensive midfield role later on. Launched some impressive attacks in the second half and moved the ball well.
Leif Davis 6
Sam Vokes’ physicality troubled him. Had a tough game but improved as the game went on and made some last ditched blocks.
Alfie McCalmont 4.5
Ince was often too good for the youngster as he failed to cope with City’s playmaker. Booked early and that added more pressure on him.
Barry Douglas 5
Worked hard but his link-up play wasn’t much to talk about. Bielsa would have expected much better from an experienced player like him in this game.
Mateusz Bogusz 6
Showed some adventure as he was willing to take shots from long range. Was always trying to get himself in space. Might not have been too effective but his energy was there to see.
Jamie Shackleton 5
Did alright but couldn’t create much while going forward.
Helder Costa 6.5
Had some bright moments but wasn’t able to find the final ball. Scored through a header for the equaliser.
Jack Clarke 4.5
Was almost non-existent in a central role. Made one good chance for Nketiah but apart from that wasn’t able to influence much.
Eddie Nketiah 7.5
Took his goal smartly as he was alive to the situation. Was quiet in the first half as he had to feed off scraps. Came alive in the second 45.
Substitutes
Ben White 7
Brought more composure and strength in the second half and United looked much better defensively with him.
Adam Forshaw 8
Came on at the half time and changed the game with his energy and intensity to drive the ball forward.
Jack Harrison 7
His direct playing style caused a lot of worry to the opposition fullback. Was able to go past his man on various occasions. Missed the final penalty as he only managed to hit the post.
