WEST BROM FORCE STOKE TO PLAY 1-1

Stoke were denied the bragging right of having won a Premier League match this season when they played West Bromwich Albion.


After a second half effort, Stoke were in the clear to get three points from the game. However, a late match effort from Salomon Rondon ensured West Brom had a share of the points.

The Mark Hughes-led team looked to end their losing streak when former Reds player Joe Allen scored in the 73rd minute. Rondon scored via a header in the added time after 90 minutes to calm the fans of the home team. Stoke City settled for just two points from six games this term in the Premier League as the game ended.

Tony Pulis would be the happier of the managers, as he is yet to lose against his former club after five meetings. The draw ensures West Bromwich Albion have not done too badly this season considering the performance of comparable teams in the league. The result would mean more pressure on Hughes as his side place 19th, a step above Sunderland who are at the bottom of the table.

Stoke fans gave Pulis a rousing ovation before the game started as he emerged from the tunnel. Pulis, 58, waved at the fans in appreciation. The first half was boring as there was not a lot to cheer about. In the 25th minute, Stoke went close to scoring as Glen Johnson scooped the ball past West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster, but Craig Johnson saved the day. Rondon hit two shots but they didn’t really threaten the opposition. Referee Martin Atkinson saved aside appeals for a penalty twice when Erik Pieters was allegedly fouled in the box. Xherdan Shaqiri and Jonny Evans helped the play that ended with Allen’s goal. Allen would have been a hero of the night until Rondon got the equalizer.