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

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Stoke City 1-1 Norwich City in the Championship on Saturday, 27 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

The match between Stoke City and Norwich City ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that might not surprise given the recent form of both teams. Stoke, coming off a loss to Queens Park Rangers, managed to halt their losing streak at home, while Norwich, who had been inconsistent with a loss and two draws in their last three games, secured a valuable point away from home. The game's pivotal moments came in the second half when Sorba Thomas equalized for Stoke in the 48th minute, cancelling out Jovon Makama's first-half goal for Norwich. This draw keeps Stoke in the mix at the top of the Championship table, while Norwich will be somewhat relieved to stop the rot after a tough run of results.

Sorba Thomas was the standout player for Stoke, not only scoring the equalizer but also showing his influence throughout the match. His goal was crucial in preventing a third consecutive home loss for Stoke, who had previously beaten Birmingham City at home. Norwich, on the other hand, will take positives from their performance, especially after a heavy defeat to Wrexham in their last home game. The draw might not be the result either team was hoping for, but it reflects the competitive nature of the Championship and the fine margins that often decide matches.

The statistics from the match between Stoke City and Norwich City largely reflect the game's outcome, with Stoke enjoying a significant advantage in possession and corners. Stoke's 58% possession and 12 corners compared to Norwich's 42% and just one corner indicate that they were the more dominant side, yet they couldn't convert this dominance into a win. The disparity in yellow cards, with Norwich receiving three and Stoke none, suggests that Norwich were perhaps more desperate to hold onto their lead. Despite these figures, the final scoreline of 1-1 shows that Norwich were effective in their defensive efforts and clinical when their chance came.

The key moments of the match were defined by the goals scored by Jovon Makama for Norwich in the 26th minute and Sorba Thomas for Stoke in the 48th minute. Makama's goal gave Norwich the lead and set the tone for a tense first half, while Thomas's equaliser shortly after halftime shifted the momentum back to Stoke. These goals were crucial in determining the final result, with neither team able to find a winner despite late substitutions and tactical changes.

Substitutions also played a role in the game's dynamics, with Norwich making three changes compared to Stoke's two. Norwich's substitutions, including Ante Crnac and Jeffrey Schlupp, were aimed at maintaining their lead and adding fresh legs to their attack. However, it was Stoke's late substitutions of Lamine Cisse and Steven N'Kemboanza Mike Christopher Nzonzi that perhaps signalled their intent to push for a winner, though they ultimately settled for a draw.

Stoke City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sorba Thomas playing a pivotal role in the attack. The lineup was largely as expected, with no major surprises in the starting XI. Thomas's performance was the highlight, as he scored the equalizer and was a constant threat to the Norwich defense. The late substitutions of Lamine Cisse and Steven N'Kemboanza Mike Christopher Nzonzi were tactical moves to try and secure a win, but the team ultimately settled for a point.

Norwich City also opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jovon Makama leading the line and scoring the opening goal. The lineup was fairly standard, with no significant surprises in the starting XI. Makama's goal was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game for Norwich, who struggled to maintain possession and create chances. The substitutions of Ante Crnac, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Mirko Topić were aimed at bolstering their attack and defence, but they couldn't prevent Stoke from equalising.

Sorba Thomas is Coral’s Man of the Match, and his performance justified this accolade. Scoring the equalizer in the 48th minute, Thomas was instrumental in securing a point for Stoke. His contribution extended beyond the goal, with one big chance created and five key passes, showcasing his influence on the game and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

Recent Championship matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Norwich City (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Queens Park Rangers (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Birmingham City (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (H)

Recent Championship matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Stoke City (A)

• Loss: 2-3 vs Wrexham (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Coventry City (A)

• Win: 2-0 vs Blackburn Rovers (A)

Sitting in third place with 13 points, Stoke City will face league leaders Middlesbrough on September 30, 2025. This draw against Norwich might boost their confidence as they prepare to take on a strong Middlesbrough side. Stoke will need to maintain their intensity and capitalise on their possession and set-piece opportunities to secure a positive result.

Norwich City, currently in 16th place with 8 points, will travel to face West Bromwich Albion on October 01, 2025. The draw against Stoke could provide a morale boost, but they will need to improve their possession and create more scoring opportunities to challenge a West Brom side that sits in ninth place.

• Birmingham Vs Sheffield Wednesday

• Hull City Vs Preston

• Sheffield United Vs Southampton

• Blackburn Rovers Vs Swansea

• Leicester City Vs Wrexham

• Middlesbrough Vs Stoke City

• Bristol City Vs Ipswich Town

• Derby County Vs Charlton

• Millwall Vs Coventry

• Portsmouth Vs Watford

• Norwich City Vs West Brom

• QPR Vs Oxford Utd

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