Stoke City Triumphs Over Charlton Athletic in Championship Clash
Stoke City winger Sorba Thomas scored twice from attempted crosses, leading to another disappointing Championship defeat for Charlton Athletic.
The Welsh international netted both of his goals in the first half, as Charlton's manager Nathan Jones witnessed his team struggle once again in the opening 45 minutes.
Just four days after conceding five goals before halftime against Southampton, the visitors fell behind early once more, with Thomas's two strikes coming either side of Million Manhoef's left-foot shot.
The Potters, who entered the match following two consecutive defeats, climbed above Middlesbrough into second place, although they trail league leaders Coventry City by an impressive ten points.
Stoke scored with their first significant attack into Charlton's half, though the opener came with a hint of good fortune. Eric-Junior Bocat's persistence led to a ball being played out to the left, where Thomas created space to deliver a well-struck cross that looped over Charlton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski.
Things worsened for Jones, who returned to a club he managed for 11 months in 2019, as his side fell 2-0 behind within just five minutes. Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson's long ball was contested by Stoke's centre-forward Robert Bozenik and defender Lloyd Jones. The Slovakian managed to push his opponent aside, allowing Thomas to find Manhoef on the right. The winger cut inside and fired a low shot just inside Kaminski's right-hand post.
Although the Addicks had previously conceded four goals in eight minutes against Southampton, they managed to hold out longer this time, only to concede a third goal before halftime. Bae Jun-Ho set up Thomas again on the left, and this time he cut back onto his right foot. Bozenik and Kayne Ramsey contested the cross in front of the keeper, who reacted late, allowing the ball to slip under his arms and cross the goal line.
Charlton finally posed a threat, with Luke Berry testing Johansson from distance shortly after the hour mark, but Stoke substitute Sam Gallagher came closest to adding to the scoreline with a late shot.
Stoke City manager Mark Robins commented to BBC Radio Stoke:
"It probably felt like we were comfortable. We took the lead early, followed that up, and then went three up in the first half. They put in a real effort against us. We kept things simple, as that was what brought us the goals. I think it was a well-deserved victory, especially considering our performances in the last three games against Coventry and Leicester. This might not have been our best performance, but we ended up scoring three goals, conceding none, and securing three points. So, it's a good day, as this moves us up to second."
Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones stated to BBC Radio London:
"We came here aiming to bounce back, but that start has cost us dearly because goals change games. It's tough to find anything positive after losing 3-0 away from home. We were too open and not at the required level. The first goal was a stroke of luck for them, we believe the second was a foul, and the third was a significant error on our part. We need to defend better. We've faced challenges lately with injuries, but we must perform better than this."
What’s next for both teams?
Stoke City will play at home again on Saturday, facing Hull City. Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic will look to end their run of three straight defeats as they prepare for a trip to Championship leaders Coventry City.