Match Overview
Stoke City lost to Southampton after a late goal by Divin Mubama and a red card. The match saw the Saints tighten their defence in the second half, while Stoke struggled to maintain the tempo. The red card and a penalty, stemming from a missed offside, turned the game in Southampton’s favour. Mark Robins admitted the team was “disappointing” and “could have come away with the three points today but we didn’t manage to stay on the front foot”.
Transfer Window Impact
Robins praised the club’s recent signings, noting that the squad has strengthened in key areas. Ben Johnson was described as a “solid full‑back”, while Ethan Galbraith scored his first goal for the club. George Hirst, a promotion winner, was highlighted as a strong forward. Djibril Soumare and Svante Ingelsson were credited with providing physicality in midfield. Robins said, “I think we’re better than we were last year – but last year we came away with three points.” He added that the league’s quality has “shifted again” and that the club needs more help and fitness from injured players.
The manager also reflected on the game’s early moments, noting that the first two goals conceded were “poor” and that the team “usually pay the price for switching off for a second or two even in this division”. He said, “It was a great finish from Ethan, a good move down that right side. We had other bits and pieces where you had a bit more quality.” Robins expressed hope that players like Thomas Sorba would find themselves in the right positions to tap in, describing him as a “really good finisher when he’s inside there”.
Bae Junho’s Role
Following a summer of speculation, Bae Junho remains at Stoke and was given a new role. He made his first start of the season, operating deeper and influencing the build‑up. Robins praised him, saying, “I thought he was brilliant. He joined in, he rolled his man and he can do that in different positions and he’s not confined to a position.” The manager is working with Junho to find his best slot for the team.
Robins also spoke about the club’s baggage, noting that the second half of last season and the years before have left a legacy that the manager must navigate. He said, “I’ve got to keep a fresh mind. From my perspective you’re always making sure that you try to get to a point where it’s better than where you found it and I think that is happening now and it’s happening quicker than we’ve been able to do before.”
The match ended with a reminder that Stoke still has a long way to go. Robins concluded, “We’re hoping for a bit more of that and a little bit more luck this week.”
