Stoke City suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Wolverhampton Wanderers after taking an early lead at Molineux. The loss leaves Mark Robins's side bottom of the Championship with zero points from their first three games, a position confirmed by the latest standings.
Sam Gallagher gave the Potters a dream start with a stunning 25-yard strike after just two minutes. But the hosts responded strongly, with Rodrigo Gomes scoring twice in three minutes to turn the game around before half-time. The BBC reported that Viktor Johansson had saved from Raul Jimenez just before Gomes opened his account, with the first Wolves goal coming after Eric Bocat lost possession.
Wolverhampton Wanderers extended their lead from the penalty spot in the 55th minute. Raul Jimenez converted after Ben Johnson was adjudged to have brushed him in the area, a decision Stoke disputed. It was Jimenez's second penalty in successive home games. Stoke had a chance to reduce the deficit when Sorba Thomas shot over after a Jose Sa save, but they couldn't find a way back.
The fourth goal came late from substitute Jordan James. The Wales international midfielder, making his home debut, scored just seven minutes after coming on in the 77th minute. He finished from 12 yards after being set up by Fer Lopez. Mateus Mane had provided the assist for Gomes's second goal earlier.
Wolves head coach Cesar Peixoto praised his team's reaction to going behind. "We conceded a goal but the reaction was very important for us," he said. "We showed personality and character to fight." This was Peixoto's first home win since taking charge.
Stoke boss Mark Robins acknowledged the quality of his side's opener but was left to rue the collapse. "We started really well, scored a 'worldie' and got our noses in front," Robins said. "A brilliant goal." The defeat is Stoke's third consecutive Championship loss, leaving them with a goal difference of minus six having conceded nine times.
The Potters are in a difficult spot early in the season. They sit 24th with no points and a form guide reading LLL. Their next challenge is a quick turnaround at home. They face Norwich City on Tuesday night, kicking off at 20:00 BST. Robins will have to plan without several key players, with Axel Cresswell, Andre Ampah, Lamine Cisse and Junior Tchamadeu all currently sidelined.
Norwich, who are 16th, represent one of Robins's former clubs. After that, Stoke host Charlton Athletic the following Saturday in a 12:30 BST kick-off. Charlton currently lead the Championship, meaning Stoke are already nine points behind the early pace-setters. These back-to-back home games at the bet365 Stadium are a critical opportunity to stop the slide and get points on the board. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page.
For Wolves, the victory was their first league win at Molineux since beating Liverpool last March, a result that ultimately preceded their relegation. The win also sent them top of the embryonic Championship table.
