Stoke City Triumphs Over Oxford United with Baker and Nzonzi Goals
Lewis Baker scored twice, and Steven Nzonzi marked his return to English football with a goal, as Stoke City achieved their first-ever victory at Oxford United.
The Potters have now won four of their last five matches in the Championship, displaying dominance from the outset. They will next face league leaders Coventry City at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, moving into second place in the standings.
Oxford United had shown signs of improvement with seven points from their previous four games after a sluggish start to the season. However, they squandered significant chances in the first half, with Greg Leigh and Przemyslaw Placheta both failing to convert opportunities.
Stoke City has now secured three consecutive wins, scoring a total of eight goals in their last two matches. Baker netted two counter-attacking goals, sandwiching a volleyed finish from Nzonzi, who last scored in England during a notable 6-1 Premier League victory over Liverpool in May 2015.
This was only Stoke's ninth league visit to Oxford, having lost six and drawn two prior to this match at the rain-soaked Kassam Stadium.
Oxford had a chance to take an early lead when Brian de Keersmaecker retrieved the ball from a cleared corner and crossed it to an unmarked Greg Leigh. However, Leigh misjudged his jump and sent his header past the post with the goal wide open.
Stoke struck first in the 10th minute as Sorba Thomas initiated a counter-attack, setting Million Manhoef on the run towards the defense. Manhoef opted to pass to Divin Mubama, whose shot was parried by goalkeeper Jamie Cumming, allowing Baker to tap in the opening goal.
Baker later turned provider for Nzonzi, who delivered a well-placed corner kick to the near post, where Nzonzi executed a classy side-footed finish to double the lead.
Placheta had another chance to pull Oxford back into the game but skewed his shot wide just before halftime after a cross from the right found him unmarked.
Baker secured the points just three minutes into the second half, capitalizing on another swift counter. Right-back Junior Tchamadeu stretched the Oxford defense before cutting the ball back for Baker, who, after having his initial shot blocked, calmly finished with his left foot.
With the victory assured, Stoke, currently in second place, began to ease off, looking ahead to their upcoming match against Frank Lampard's top-of-the-table side.
Manager Reactions
Oxford manager Gary Rowett commented to BBC Radio Oxford:
"That was probably our poorest performance since I arrived, which is disappointing given our recent form against Millwall. We should have taken the lead early on; Greg [Leigh] had a fantastic chance but mistimed his jump from just a yard out, sending it wide. Their first goal was poor from our perspective, the second came from a set-piece where we allowed Nzonzi too much space, and the third occurred right after halftime when we had attempted to adjust tactically to get back in the game. Overall, it was a frustrating night, as we failed to show the necessary fight late in the match."
Stoke manager Mark Robins shared his thoughts with BBC Radio Stoke:
"We played exceptionally well. Coming to a venue like this, it’s vital to neutralize their strengths, and the players were focused and determined from start to finish. We exhibited quality and effort throughout the match. The three goals were outstanding; the third was particularly impressive due to our quick ball movement and speed. The second was a perfect set-piece with excellent delivery, allowing Steven [Nzonzi] to find the net. Additionally, we kept a clean sheet, tallying five goals and conceding only one in our last two matches against tough opponents."