Stoke City are not in need of a dramatic attacking overhaul, but they urgently have to address their habit of slow, sideways passing if they want to stay competitive. Following a dull, goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion at a rain-soaked Hawthorns, Stoke slipped into the bottom half of the Championship table for the first time this season. Despite that drop, they actually made up ground on the play-off places, underlining how tight the division remains. Even manager Mark Robins acknowledged that the match was a difficult watch, offering little in the way of excitement or attacking flow.
One of the key talking points was the early adaptation period for new signing Milan Smit. Having just arrived from Go Ahead Eagles, the striker has endured a challenging introduction to Championship football, with only eight touches in the first half against West Brom. While his influence was minimal, there is a belief within the club that Smit will eventually find ways to contribute at this level. However, that will depend heavily on better support from his teammates, something that was clearly lacking in this match. Robins described Smit’s arrival as the beginning of a longer-term project, stressing that patience will be required as he adjusts to the physicality and tempo of English football. He emphasised that mid-season signings rarely arrive fully match-ready and that the coaching staff now have work to do to help Smit settle and develop.
The most frustrating aspect of Stoke’s performance was their recurring tendency to pass the ball sideways or backwards. This issue feeds on itself: defenders recycle possession because there is little movement ahead of them, while attackers fail to make runs because the ball rarely comes forward with intent. The result is a stagnant style of play that leaves supporters exasperated. The statistics highlight the problem clearly, with defenders and the goalkeeper dominating possession while attacking players barely saw the ball. Although factors such as a heavy pitch, West Brom’s increased urgency, and Stoke’s slightly fragile confidence played a role, this conservative mindset runs counter to what Robins wants from his team. At their best under his management, Stoke have played with speed, intensity and aggression, not caution. Eliminating this “sideways disease” is essential if they are to move forward.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s appearance also suffered from this lack of attacking ambition. The match did not provide the right conditions for him to fully demonstrate his ability, though there were brief moments that hinted at what he could offer once sharper and more integrated. Having not played since December, his performance was understandably rusty, but Robins felt the outing would be valuable in rebuilding his match fitness and confidence. The return of Million Manhoef from the bench was also a positive, giving Stoke options they lacked in the previous game and allowing them to change things late on, even if the breakthrough never came.
At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Tommy Simkin was a standout performer. He recorded his first clean sheet since reclaiming his place in the side, contributing to Stoke’s impressive total of 12 shutouts this season. His reflex save from a deflected Daryl Dike effort was particularly eye-catching, showing bravery, athleticism and growing maturity. Simkin’s development continues to be an encouraging sign for Stoke’s defensive stability.
Despite dropping to 13th place, Stoke remain only four points adrift of the top six and still boast the best defensive record in the Championship. That solid foundation is keeping their play-off hopes alive. They do not require an attacking miracle to stay in the hunt; rather, modest improvement going forward could make a significant difference. Simply adding a goal per game to their performances may be enough to turn draws into wins and give them a genuine chance of pushing for the play-offs.
