Defensive duo strike as Stoke secure much needed win

Usually, it’s the attacking assets that steal the headlines; however, at the Bet365 stadium, the goals arose from unlikely sources as Stoke City gained a vital victory against bottom-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

It was defenders Rhys Norrington-Davies and Harry Souttar, who both netted their first league goals for the Potters, that proved to be the difference.

Sheffield United loanee Norrington-Davies opened the scoring after 64 minutes following a fluid one-two with Steven Fletcher. The incisive passage of play penetrated the visitors’ defence, leaving the 21-year-old with a simple finish.

The Welsh full-back was also instrumental in the second goal as he won the corner that Souttar subsequently converted from. The Australian international towered above the Chairboys’ defence to double City’s lead.

The defensive behemoth was arguably the best player on the pitch as his goal topped off what was a convincing display. The former Fleetwood Town man was faced with the tricky task of containing Wycombe powerhouse Uche Ikpeazu.

Souttar fulfilled his requirements with ease, limiting the frontman to just two shots before he was substituted with ten minutes remaining.

Furthermore, the Stoke stalwart nullified Wycombe’s aerial advances; winning a staggering 14 aerial duels – double the number of anybody else on the pitch.

The 22-year-old leader has established himself as an integral part of this Potters side during his maiden Championship campaign, performing admirably week upon week.

He put pen to paper on a new contract just over a month ago, in a deal that will see him remain with the West Midlands outfit until 2025.

Stoke boss Michael O’Neill shared his thoughts on Souttar’s impressive display. “It was a really strong and commanding performance.”

“I was delighted that he got the goal because it’s something that we really need to get more out of him”

The Aberdeen-born defender joined the Potters from Dundee United in 2016 but spent the majority of his early days in Staffordshire with the under 23s cohort.

His impressive displays in the youth setup resulted in the tall defender earning a loan move to Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town in January 2019.

Once his initial deal in Lancashire had expired, Barton demanded Souttar’s services for another season as he aimed to propel Fleetwood into the Championship. The future Stoke star guided the Cod Army to the playoffs, where they ultimately fell at the first hurdle.

During this spell, he was named the EFL Young Player of the Month, showing just how much of a talent he was.

Souttar has played 34 times in all competitions this campaign and has made the transition to second tier look easy, with his boss O’Neill believing that he has the skills to reach the pinnacle of English football.

“Harry [Souttar] has to aspire to be a top-level player, and at 22 years of age I hope that he aspires to play in the Premier League. Whether that’s with Stoke or someone else, the challenge is there for him and I think he has the attributes.”

Stoke will be looking to build on Saturday’s win when they face an inconsistent Middlesbrough side who have also fallen out of touch with the top six in recent weeks.

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