Stoke City started life under new manager Mark Robins with a disappointing but not unexpected draw against bottom-placed Plymouth Argyle at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday. The match ended 0-0, marking Robins' first game at the helm and extending Plymouth's winless streak at Stoke to 21 matches.
Stoke, who recently parted ways with their previous manager, aimed to shake off their poor form as they faced off against the struggling Argyle side. The match unfolded with both teams finding it difficult to create promising chances, reflecting the challenges faced by each side this season.
Throughout the game, Stoke dominated possession, but it was Plymouth's performance, particularly defensively, which caught attention. Despite their record of having conceded 53 goals this season, the Argyle managed to hold strong against the attacking threats posed by Stoke.
Robins acknowledged the difficulties of stepping in during such turbulent times, especially with the pressure to secure results after a recent tumultuous period at the club. He expressed his views after the match, stating, "There’s a lot to work on, clearly. But, when you’re coming to the third game in the week, whoever you’re playing against, it’s really difficult." His comments underscored the urgency for improvement.
Plymouth's caretaker manager, Kevin Nancekivell, hailed the importance of the draw, especially considering their challenging season. "A point away from home is not to be sneezed at, especially at a tough place like this," Nancekivell remarked. He expressed satisfaction with leaving the field without conceding, stating, "So to come here and get a clean sheet was very satisfying."
The first half saw few clear-cut chances, with Plymouth's goalkeeper Conor Hazard showing commendable skill to deny Stoke's top scorer, Tom Cannon, who failed to convert his opportunity on goal. The interception and save were pivotal moments during the first half, showcasing Hazard's talents.
Stoke's attack struggled to break through, and their best efforts were often thwarted by Plymouth's defense, which appears to be steadily improving under the new tactical approach. "The boys put a lot of work in, and I said to them if you can’t win it, at least don’t lose it," Robins added. The clean sheet was quite the unexpected boon for the Pilgrims, who had shipped 35 goals away from home prior to this fixture.
After the interval, the game picked up slightly, with both teams trying to establish control of the midfield. Stoke's player Tatsuki Seko created panic among Plymouth's defenders after he reached the byline and pulled the ball back to fellow teammate Junior Tchamadeu, whose shot was saved by Hazard, maintaining Plymouth's clean sheet.
Despite showing more ambition to score, Stoke continued to lack the finishing touch. Cannon came close once again but was denied due to smart positioning by Hazard. Fans of both clubs were left awaiting the moment of magic they hoped would break the deadlock, but it never arrived.
Robins remained hopeful, insisting the point gained was reasonable under the circumstances, but he knows there is no time to rest on their laurels. Stoke's upcoming schedule includes back-to-back away matches against Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion, placing mounting pressure on them to improve their league standing.
Plymouth, sitting at the bottom of the Championship, showed signs of resilience, which may serve them well as they navigate the second half of the season. Many observers had thought they would struggle once again, adding to their woes after narrowly avoiding relegation the previous season.
Nancekivell conveyed pride for the players' work rate, stating, "The players worked really hard and tirelessly. I can’t fault their work rate at all." This is perhaps the best foundation Plymouth can lay for turning their fortunes around as they seek to climb away from the relegation zone.
After the final whistle, both teams would have taken away different feelings from the game – Stoke, frustrated by their inability to convert chances, and Plymouth, relieved to have held on for a point. With the Championship continuing to be incredibly competitive, the coming weeks will be telling for both clubs as they strive for their respective objectives.