Full Time: Stoke City 2-0 Hull City
Stoke City picked up their first win of the Championship campaign as Gary Rowett’s side put in a dominant display to beat 10-man Hull City at home on Saturday.
James McClean opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a vicious low drive from the edge of the area after Hull failed to clear a corner.
The Potters doubled their lead just before the hour mark as Mame Biram Diouf’s effort went past the goalkeeper into the bottom corner.
And just after Stoke made it 2-0, Hull’s chances of a comeback suffered a blow when Brazilian midfielder Evandro Goebel was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Stoke City Player Ratings
Jack Butland – 6/10
Was confident with the ball at his feet and commanded his box well. Hull did very little going forward but when they did, Butland was up for the task.
Cuco Martina – 6/10
A really solid show on his debut. Offered width and energy as he always looked to get forward.
Ryan Shawcross – 6/10
Prosuced a goal-saving tackle towards the end. He was sturdy at the back and made a number of headed clearances.
Bruno Martins Indi – 6/10
Took a booking early in the game for his team but other than that, Indi remained solid throughout the game alongside his skipper.
Eric Pieters – 6/10
After some poor displays, Pieters looked at home with his distribution catching the eye. He needs to maintain this kind of form as the season progresses.
Peter Etebo – 7/10
Etebo worked diligently in the middle of the park, bringing some much-needed bite that kept Stoke ticking.
Joe Allen – 7/10
Allen had a hand in both the Stoke goals and must now look to build on today’s performance. He is one of Rowett’s most important figures.
Mame Biram Diouf – 7/10
It’s not only about scoring goals for Diouf but the work-rate he brings. Scored Stoke’s second, albeit a royal deflection that capped off a fine display against the toothless Tigers.
Saido Berahino – 6/10
Dropped a lot deeper than required but it worked well for Berahino, who supplied some delicious through balls to his teammates.
James McClean – 8/10
Scored the opener from the edge of the area to settle some nerves. A typically diligent performance from McClean that kept the Hull defenders vigilant.
Peter Crouch – 5/10
Crouch missed an absolute dolly before being subbed but will be content with his overall performance.
Substitutes
Bojan Krkic – 5/10
Came on in the 80th minute and gave Stoke an attacking punch.
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Benik Afobe – 3/10
Replaced Crouch with 10 minutes left and missed a good chance to put gloss to the scoreline.
Moritz Bauer – N/A
Was put on the pitch to shore up the game.