Stoke City suffered another crushing late blow as they conceded a 90th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Luton Town, letting a crucial lead slip through their fingers. With only four points separating the sides before kick-off, the stakes were sky-high, and they remain unchanged at full-time following a tense and nervy encounter. Lewis Baker had put Stoke ahead in the 74th minute when his deflected free-kick found the back of the net. As the minutes ticked down, Stoke found themselves under intense pressure, gradually retreating deeper with a growing sense of panic as they tried to protect what would have been a vital three points.
However, disaster struck in the final minute of regulation time. Jordan Clark’s cross from the right reached Millenic Alli, who managed to outmuscle his marker and fire a shot past Viktor Johansson. This marks the third time in six games that Stoke have conceded a decisive goal in the dying moments—errors that have now cost them a total of four points. Those lost points could have significantly altered their position in the relegation battle. At the final whistle, a stunned silence gripped the home crowd before they acknowledged the team’s effort with applause. Stoke now turn their attention to a massive clash against third-bottom Cardiff, who also fought to a 2-2 draw at Preston.
Stoke’s first-half attacking efforts were limited, with only a couple of Sam Gallagher headers and a speculative cross-shot from Bae Junho that drifted over the bar. Luton’s most notable chance came via Thelo Aasgaard, whose awkward volley sailed over after some chaotic build-up play. The second half, however, began with controversy. Luton striker Carlton Morris, already on a yellow card, grabbed Ashley Phillips around the neck and hauled him down off the ball. Referee Dean Whitestone, after a signal from his assistant, awarded a free-kick to Stoke but opted not to show a second yellow to Morris—drawing the ire of the home supporters.
As the match hung in the balance, Alli nearly scored when he beat Junior Tchamadeu and saw his shot deflected over by Ben Wilmot. From the resulting corner, Mark McGuinness’s header went narrowly wide. Stoke almost capitalised at the other end when Million Manhoef played a clever ball to Gallagher, who touched it past an out-of-position Thomas Kaminski, only to see the shot trickle just wide. The breakthrough finally came when Gallagher was wrestled to the ground by Lamine Fanne just outside the penalty area. Baker stepped up to take the free-kick, and thanks to clever positioning from Wouter Burger and Phillips, who ducked in front of the wall, the ball deflected off Clark’s head and zipped into the net with Kaminski diving the wrong way—sparking wild celebrations.
But with nothing left to lose, Luton threw everything forward in the closing stages. Johansson was called upon to make a crucial save to deny Alli, but the equaliser came just as the board went up showing five minutes of added time. Another ball from the right found Alli in acres of space, and he danced past Tchamadeu to blast the ball inside Johansson’s near post. It was a gut-wrenching finale for Stoke, who had battled hard but ultimately fell victim to yet another late lapse.
Player Ratings from bet365 Stadium:
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Viktor Johansson (5.5) – Frustrated home fans with his insistence on playing short. Beaten at the near post for the equaliser.
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Junior Tchamadeu (5.5) – Energetic going forward but twice beaten by Alli in critical moments, including the equaliser.
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Lynden Bocat (6) – Looked shaky in defence but showed intent to get forward. Passing was hit-and-miss.
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Ashley Phillips (6) – Strong in aerial duels and played a key role in the goal by ducking in the wall to aid Baker’s free-kick.
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Ben Wilmot (6) – Seemed uncomfortable playing out from the back under pressure.
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Jordan Thompson (6) – Struggled to get a grip on midfield control, especially in the second half as Stoke dropped deeper.
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Wouter Burger (6.5) – Quiet in possession but showed determination and good positioning.
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Lewis Baker (7) – Drifted too close to Gallagher early on but made the most of his free-kick to score the opener.
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Million Manhoef (6.5) – Lacked variety early on but improved, creating a key chance for Gallagher.
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Bae Junho (6.5) – Put in plenty of effort and tried to spark attacks, though the final ball was missing.
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Sam Gallagher (7.5) – Put in a tireless performance, involved in both attacking and defensive phases. Won the free-kick for the goal and earned a standing ovation.
Substitutes:
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Ali Al-Hamadi (6.5) – Offered a new outlet up front and helped relieve some pressure.
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Ben Pearson (6) – Returned from illness and tried to stabilize the midfield late on.
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Nathaniel Koumas (6) – Came on late and had limited time to influence proceedings.
Unused subs: Bonham, Gooch, Seko, Mmaee, Gibson, Moran
Referee – Dean Whitestone (3) – Poor decision-making, notably avoiding a second yellow for Morris.
Overall Match Rating – 5.5
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