Portsmouth 0-1 Stoke City: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral's post-match review of Portsmouth 0-1 Stoke City in the Championship on Saturday, 25 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

In a tightly contested match at Fratton Park, Stoke City managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Portsmouth, thanks to a crucial own goal in the 70th minute. The result was somewhat surprising given Portsmouth's recent form, which included a win and two draws in their last five games, while Stoke had been inconsistent with two wins, two draws, and a loss. This defeat marks Portsmouth's third consecutive game without a win, putting additional pressure on the team as they struggle to climb the Championship table. For Stoke, this win is a welcome boost, extending their positive run and showcasing their ability to grind out results away from home.

The game was a battle of attrition, with both teams showing determination but lacking the final touch in front of goal. Portsmouth, despite having more corners, couldn't convert their set-piece opportunities into goals. Stoke's defensive resilience was key, as they managed to keep a clean sheet and capitalise on a moment of misfortune for the home side. This result highlights the fine margins in the Championship, where a single goal can make all the difference, and it will be interesting to see how both teams respond in their upcoming fixtures.

The statistics from the match suggest a closely fought contest, with possession almost evenly split at 49% for Portsmouth and 51% for Stoke City. Despite having fewer corners, Stoke managed to secure the win, which indicates their efficiency in defending set pieces and capitalising on their limited opportunities. Portsmouth's higher successful dribble percentage of 67% compared to Stoke's 50% shows their intent to play more directly, but it didn't translate into goals. The yellow card count was slightly higher for Stoke with three, compared to Portsmouth's two, reflecting the competitive nature of the game.

The decisive moment of the match came in the 70th minute when an own goal by a Portsmouth player handed Stoke City the lead. This unfortunate incident proved to be the difference between the two teams, as Portsmouth were unable to find an equaliser despite their efforts. The own goal not only shifted the momentum of the game but also highlighted the importance of defensive solidity, as Stoke managed to hold on to their slender lead until the final whistle.

There were no other key moments listed for Portsmouth, suggesting that the game was relatively quiet in terms of major incidents. The own goal was the only significant event that directly impacted the outcome, emphasising how a single moment can define a match in the Championship. Both teams made substitutions, with Portsmouth making four and Stoke three, but these changes did not lead to any further goals or significant shifts in the game's dynamics.

Portsmouth lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Josef Bursik in goal and a back four of Jordan Williams, Hayden Matthews, Regan Poole, and Connor Ogilvie. The midfield was anchored by Marlon Pack and Andre Dozzell, with Conor Chaplin, Colby Bishop, and Minhyeok Yang supporting striker Makenzie Kirk. There were no surprises in the starting lineup, but the team made four substitutions during the game, indicating an attempt to change the course of the match. Despite their efforts, no player stood out significantly, and the team struggled to break down Stoke's defense.

Stoke City also opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Viktor Johansson between the posts and a defensive line consisting of Maksym Taloverov, Ashley Phillips, Ben Wilmot, and Aaron Cresswell. The midfield duo of Lewis Baker and Ben Pearson provided stability, while Million Manhoef, Jun-ho Bae, and Sorba Thomas supported striker Divin Mubama. The lineup was as expected, with no major surprises. The team made three substitutions, but it was the defensive solidity and the fortunate own goal that proved decisive. Johansson's performance in goal was particularly noteworthy, as he kept a clean sheet and made crucial saves.

Viktor Johansson is Coral's Man of the Match for his outstanding performance in goal for Stoke City. With three saves, zero goals conceded, two clearances, and one punch, Johansson was instrumental in securing the clean sheet and the victory for his team. His ability to make crucial interventions and maintain composure under pressure was pivotal in ensuring Stoke left Fratton Park with all three points.

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Stoke City (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Coventry City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Leicester City (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Middlesbrough (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Watford (H)

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Portsmouth (A)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Millwall (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Wrexham (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Blackburn Rovers (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Middlesbrough (A)

Following their defeat to Stoke City, Portsmouth find themselves in 18th place with 13 points. Their next challenge is a home game against Birmingham City, who are in 15th place with 15 points, on November 01, 2025 at 15:00. This result will likely prompt Portsmouth to focus on tightening their defense and being more clinical in front of goal as they aim to climb the table.

Stoke City's victory over Portsmouth has propelled them to 5th place with 21 points. They will face Bristol City, who are just one point ahead in 4th place with 22 points, in their next match on November 01, 2025 at 15:00. This result will boost their confidence as they look to maintain their strong position in the league and continue their push for promotion.

Coral brings you the most exciting betting promotions and the latest betting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best Championship outright predictions, explore our Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.