Stoke City secured their first league win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Norwich City on Tuesday night, a result that lifts them to 21st in the Championship table. The club then confirmed a late transfer window move for Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny.
Ethan Galbraith's 13th-minute goal proved decisive in a match where Norwich dominated possession. The Stoke midfielder's first-time shot took a deflection off Jack Stacey before finding the bottom corner, according to the match report from My Football Writer. Norwich created several clear chances to equalise, but goalkeeper Viktor Johansson made a vital save to deny Andre Brooks from close range just before half-time.
Stoke's defence held firm in the second half to secure three vital points. The win ended a run of three consecutive league defeats and provided a much-needed boost ahead of their next home game against Charlton on September 5th.
The Sentinel reports that Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny underwent a medical at Stoke on deadline day to complete a permanent transfer. The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international is believed to be joining for a fee of around £5m. Devenny can play in central midfield, as a number 10, or on the left wing, having made 60 appearances for Palace over the last two seasons.
His arrival is part of a significant squad overhaul this summer. The deal for Devenny would take the number of new signings at the bet365 Stadium up to ten. Stoke are also hoping to finalise a move for Houston Dynamo playmaker Jack McGlynn, aged 23, according to the same report.
Stoke suffered a 4-1 defeat away to Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday. Sam Gallagher had given Stoke a shock lead with a stunning 25-yard strike in the second minute, but Wolves responded with two quick goals from Rodrigo Gomes before half-time. Raul Jimenez added a penalty and substitute Jordan James completed the scoring late on.
The loss left Stoke with a record of one win and three losses from their opening four matches. They have scored four goals but conceded nine, giving them a -5 goal difference. The current standings show Stoke seven points behind early leaders Swansea City.
New signing Luca Bombino was named on the bench for the Norwich match after his arrival from San Diego FC. The 20-year-old left-back was one of several players included in the matchday squad listed by The Sentinel. Meanwhile, Sorba Thomas is reported to have undergone a medical at Hull City as he nears an exit, just 14 months after joining Stoke from Huddersfield Town.
The club's immediate focus now shifts to preparing for the visit of second-placed Charlton Athletic this weekend. That match will be a significant test for a Stoke side looking to build momentum after their first victory. The full team news and squad details will be available ahead of the 5 September kick-off.
