Stoke City 3-1 Derby County: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ game week one post-match review of Stoke City 3-1 Derby County in the Championship on Saturday, 09 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Stoke City secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Derby County at home, a result that might not have been anticipated given their recent form. The Potters had suffered heavy defeats in their last three Championship outings, including a 6-0 loss to Leeds United, but managed to turn their fortunes around against Derby. The match was defined by late drama, with Stoke scoring twice in injury time to seal the win. This victory not only ended Stoke's losing streak but also highlighted their resilience and ability to capitalise on crucial moments.

Derby County, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their earlier momentum in the Championship, where they had secured two consecutive wins before this match. The Rams had a promising start with Carlton Morris scoring in the 60th minute, but they couldn't hold on as Stoke mounted a late comeback. The result was particularly disappointing for Derby, who had drawn their previous encounter with Stoke. This loss could be a setback for their aspirations, especially after showing signs of improvement in recent games.

The statistics from the match reflect Stoke City's dominance, particularly in possession, where they held 68% compared to Derby's 32%. This control translated into more corners for Stoke, with seven compared to Derby's three, indicating their ability to create scoring opportunities. Despite Derby's slightly higher successful dribble percentage, it was Stoke's efficiency in the final moments that made the difference, scoring two crucial goals in injury time. The yellow card count was higher for Derby, suggesting a more disciplined approach from Stoke, which might have contributed to their late-game composure.

The turning point of the match came in the 70th minute when Lewis Baker scored for Stoke City, levelling the score after Derby had taken the lead through Carlton Morris in the 60th minute. This goal shifted the momentum back to Stoke, who then made strategic substitutions, bringing on Ashley Phillips and Jamie Donley in the 74th minute. These changes seemed to invigorate the team, leading to a dramatic finish.

The final minutes were decisive, with Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas scoring in the 90+5th and 90+9th minutes, respectively. These late goals not only secured the victory for Stoke but also highlighted their ability to maintain pressure and capitalise on opportunities even in the dying moments of the game. Derby's substitutions in the latter stages, including David Ozoh and Andreas Weimann, were unable to stem the tide, and the Rams ultimately succumbed to Stoke's relentless attack.

Stoke City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Viktor Johansson in goal and a backline of Junior Tchamadeu, Bosun Lawal, Ben Wilmot, and Aaron Cresswell. The midfield was anchored by Ben Pearson and Lewis Baker, with Million Manhoef, Jun-ho Bae, and Sorba Thomas supporting striker Divin Mubama. The lineup was largely expected, but the impact of the substitutions, particularly Ashley Phillips and Jamie Donley, was significant. Sorba Thomas's performance was standout, as he scored the winning goal and provided an assist, showcasing his importance to the team's late surge.

Derby County opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Jacob Widell Zetterström between the posts and a defense consisting of Ryan Nyambe, Danny Batth, Matt Clarke, and Craig Forsyth. The midfield was comprised of Kayden Jackson, Kenzo Goudmijn, Liam Thompson, and Corey Blackett-Taylor, with Carlton Morris and Ebou Adams up front. The lineup was typical for Derby, but the substitutions made in the second half, including David Ozoh and Andreas Weimann, did not have the desired effect. Carlton Morris's goal was a highlight, but the team struggled to maintain their lead and ultimately fell short.

Sorba Thomas is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match, and his performance was pivotal in Stoke City's victory over Derby County. Thomas scored the winning goal in the 90+9th minute and provided an assist, demonstrating his ability to influence the game at crucial moments. Despite not creating any big chances, his two key passes were instrumental in maintaining Stoke's attacking momentum, making him a deserving recipient of the accolade.

Recent matches:

• Win: 3-1 vs Derby County (H) - Championship

Recent matches:

• Loss: 1-3 vs Stoke City (A) - Championship

Stoke City sit in 2nd place with 3 points after their 3-1 win over Derby County. They face Sheffield Wednesday, in 16th place with 0 points, on August 16, 2025, at 15:00. The victory, driven by goals from Tom Cannon, Lewis Baker, and Sam Gallagher, boosts their confidence, and they’ll aim to maintain their attacking momentum and defensive solidity to continue their strong start.

Sheffield Wed V Stoke - GW2 Championship

Derby County are in 23rd place with 0 points following their 3-1 loss to Stoke City. They take on Coventry, in 13th place with 1 point, on August 16, 2025, at 12:30. The defeat highlights the need to tighten their defence and improve attacking efficiency to secure their first points against a mid-table Coventry side.

Derby V Coventry - GW2 Championship

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.