Stoke City returned to form with a narrow but controlled 1-0 win over Birmingham City at the Bet365 Stadium, reclaiming a spot in the Championship’s top two. Bosun Lawal’s well-taken header in the 21st minute separated the two Midlands rivals in a first half largely dominated by Mark Robins’ men. Despite Birmingham pushing hard after the break, they failed to find an equaliser.
Chris Davies reshuffled his lineup following a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City before the international break, but the changes brought little reward. The Birmingham boss ended the day with back-to-back league defeats for the first time in his managerial career.
The game began at a lively pace, with Sorba Thomas threatening early by almost setting up Divin Mubama before Christoph Klarer intervened. Mubama had another opportunity soon after, denied by Ryan Allsop, but the goalkeeper could do nothing moments later when Lawal rose highest to head home his first goal for the Potters. Stoke nearly doubled their lead two minutes later as Thomas fired against the post.
Birmingham struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Jay Stansfield and Tommy Doyle failing to make the most of a rare opening. Lawal impressed defensively too, blocking Stansfield’s close-range strike just before half-time to preserve Stoke’s lead.
After the restart, Birmingham showed more urgency. Stansfield and Demarai Gray both went close, but neither could hit the target. Davies introduced Bright Osayi-Samuel, Lewis Koumas, and Marvin Ducksch to inject fresh energy, but Stoke’s defense, marshalled by Viktor Johansson in goal, stood firm.
Late on, Stoke could have sealed the contest through Mubama, only for Klarer to intervene again. At the other end, Birmingham’s frustration continued, with substitute Marc Leonard blazing over and Ben Wilmot nearly turning into his own net during stoppage time. Stoke also had a late penalty appeal turned down after Thomas went down under pressure, but the hosts held on for a deserved victory.
The result marked Stoke’s fourth win in their first five matches, sending them back into second place. Birmingham, meanwhile, dropped to 11th after suffering their second straight defeat.
Full-time: Stoke City 1-0 Birmingham City
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