Match Overview

Stoke City lost 3-1 to Southampton in their opening match of the season, with goals from Cyle Larin, Divin Mubama and a Ryan Manning penalty. The Saints’ early lead came in the eighth minute when Larin finished off a perfectly-weighted pass from Flynn Downes, his third goal in as many games.

Stoke responded with a 26th-minute equaliser from Ethan Galbraith, who capitalised on Sam Gallagher’s cross to reach the far post. The game remained level until the 78th minute, when former Stoke loanee Divin Mubama scored a late winner, followed by a penalty from Ryan Manning after Samuel Edozie was brought down by Svante Ingelsson, who was subsequently sent off for a second booking.

Southampton’s Resilience

Stanton’s manager Tonda Eckert praised his players’ never-say-die attitude, noting that the team had committed at half-time to go all in. “We made a commitment at half-time that we go all in and I think we deserve to bring that game in our direction in the second half,” Eckert said.

The win is Southampton’s first of the season and comes as the club seeks to overturn a four-point deduction. The Saints also celebrated the omission of Taylor Harwood-Bellis from the squad after a failed £18 million bid from Aston Villa, with Eckert highlighting the player’s loyalty to the club.

Stoke’s Reaction

Stoke boss Mark Robins called for new recruits ahead of the transfer deadline, admitting that some players are not yet at full fitness. He criticised the penalty decision, arguing that Edozie was offside and that the Saints deserved a different outcome.

Robins also acknowledged the need to shift players who do not fit the club’s plans, saying, “We’ve got to try and shift players that don’t want to be here or players that aren’t going to cut it for us.” The loss marks the second defeat for Stoke in their opening two games.

Key Moments

  • 8th minute: Cyle Larin scores for Southampton.
  • 26th minute: Ethan Galbraith equalises for Stoke.
  • 78th minute: Divin Mubama scores a late winner.
  • 79th minute: Ryan Manning converts a penalty after Edozie is fouled.
  • 79th minute: Svante Ingelsson receives a second booking and is sent off.

The match ended 3-1 in favour of Southampton, giving the Saints a crucial victory and a boost as they aim to recover from their early-season setbacks.