The Stoke City match report and player ratings from Stoke-on-TrentLive and the Sentinel following their season opener against Derby County
Joseph Chapman
17:10, 09 Aug 2025Updated 17:18, 09 Aug 2025
Divin Mubama of Stoke City scores his team's second goal with teammate Sorba Thomas
Divin Mubama of Stoke City scores his team's second goal with teammate Sorba Thomas
Stoke City opened up their Championship account at the first opportunity with a well deserved opening day victory over Derby County thanks to a stunning late flourish. The Potters fell behind on the hour mark after Carlton Morris had netted on his debut for the Rams, but Lewis Baker responded in fine style within ten minutes to tee up a thrilling end.
While the game looked as though it might've finished a stalemate, Divin Mubama popped up on his full debut with a wonderfully executed header from Tatsuki Seko's cross. Stoke then cashed in at the end as Derby threw caution to the wind and another debutant, Jamie Donley, teed up fellow summer recruit Sorba Thomas for a delightful third.
Stoke enjoyed practically the entirety of the first half; Million Manhoef was the pick of those who looked to break the deadlock, a constant threat on the right, particularly when he cut in on his preferred left foot. Early doors, the nimble Dutchman floated a ball into the six-yard box, which Bae Junho directed at goal with a header, but keeper Jacob Zetterstrom claimed.
What was especially evident in the early stages of the game was how urgently Stoke went about their business, eager to maintain a high level of pressure on Derby, who initially struggled to hold onto the ball and build their way out of danger; the Potters routinely quickly regrouped, regained possession and created waves of attack which the Rams survived.
Thomas, on his full debut, looked the part early doors. He plucked a Junior Tchamaedu diagonal out of the air and, on the bounce, attempted an overhead kick which Zetterstrom caught. Manhoef then delivered for both Bosun Lawal and Mubama, who moments later wanted a penalty only to be penalised himself, but neither could take advantage of the supply line.
Not taking advantage of their dominance in the first half, and especially failing to make as quick a start to proceedings in the second period after the break allowed Derby to regather themselves, Stoke left the door open to a sucker punch.
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It came on the hour mark when Corey Blackett-Taylor ran at Junior Tchamadeu on the right of Stoke's defence and stood a ball up, which Morris managed to hook from behind him into the ground and up into the roof of the net, beyond Viktor Johansson who had dived at full stretch.
Stoke needed a reply quickly, and they found one within ten minutes; for all of their first half pressure and adventure in Derby's defensive third, this was rather a bolt from the blue, but a welcome shot in the arm. Baker exchanged the ball with Thomas and bent in a wicked shot into the far, bottom corner which brought about parity.
It looked as though the game was heading for a draw and the points shared, until deep into eight minutes of stoppage time Mubama beat his man in the air to power home the winner into the far corner.
Things only got better when Donley produced great instinct to pick out Thomas, in space, and he did the rest to send Stoke supporters home ecstatic and enthusiastic about what this campaign might have in store.
Stoke City player ratings
Johansson 6
Took no chances when palming behind a loopy Blackett-Taylor cross from the left. Had to come and beat Jackson to the ball when a cross took a deflection off Wilmot, and he did so. No chance with Morris' opener, which bounced out of his reach.
Tchamadeu 6
Plenty of energy down the right hand side in the first half as Stoke built up a head of steam, although he did overplay a couple of passes. Continued making runs into the second half and was the recipient of one or two Ben Wilmot specials. Might have cut out Blackett-Taylor's cross for Morris' opener but that might be harsh. Might've won it with a stunner but was denied.
Lawal 7
Demonstrated his strength to win a one on one with Blackett-Taylor, to the delight of the home fans. Came quite close with a header when he met Manhoef's cross from the right. Put his head in where it hurt and took the brunt of Jackson's boot, eventually being forced off. Another positive showing.
Wilmot 6
Showed his excellent long-range passing ability, with one or two of his more direct passes finding their target and getting Stoke quickly up the pitch. Morris was a handful in the air and on the ground but he had the measure of him for the most part. Was booked although fortunate perhaps to not be sent off.
Cresswell 6
A full debut for Cresswell, who tested Derby's defence early on with a couple of inviting corners, although one well-placed free kick was an opportunity wasted. Showed his experience and awareness to cover at the back when Jackson was lurking and took Wilmot's lead with some raking diagonals, but overall his set-pieces were a little hit and miss.
Pearson 6
After a solid pre-season Pearson was busy from the off here, fetching the ball when Derby only half cleared and reintroducing an immediate Stoke threat from the edge of the final third. Got through some good work off the ball and went off hobbling at the end having put himself about.
Baker 7
A so-so first half. Overhit a pass intended to play in Manhoef on the right but Stoke did build from quite an advanced position on the pitch and Baker, and Pearson, were often recycling the ball quickly. A quite brilliant finish to level things up after Derby had fallen behind.
Junho 6
Enjoyed the first opportunity when he nodded Manhoef's cross into the arms of Zetterstrom. Was a little quieter in the second half in the number ten role and he shifted out wide to accommodate the incoming Donley in the closing stages.
Manhoef 7
One of the most prominent architects in Stoke's attack in the first half, seeing plenty of the ball on the right and able to drift in and deliver on his favoured left foot. Created chances for Junho, Lawal and Mubama. Very bright and wanted possession. Delivered a wonderfully weighted ball which Thomas couldn't take advantage of. Not happy to be taken off.
Thomas 8
Exciting start, picking up from his pre-season campaign which pointed to the excellent business Stoke concluded in bringing him to the club. Direct, bold on the ball and with a neat turn of pace, he carried a threat on the left and is developing good relationships with his new teammates. Passed up a golden chance after Derby had taken the lead but made no mistake with his second opening in the 99th minute.
Mubama 8*
Busy from the get go. Introduced himself to the fans when he charged down Zetterstrom's clearance and demanded an increase in volume, which the supporters responded to. Might've had a penalty with Clarke at his back but was instead penalised himself. Quieter in the second half but in stoppage time he took his chance when it came to him. Relentless work ethic.
Substitutes
Donley (for Manhoef 74) 7
First look at the latest summer recruit, who only arrived this week. Was involved in bits and pieces before his assist at the death. Ought to come on for this experience in front of a healthy Potteries crowd.
Phillips (for Lawal 74) 6
While Donley is nWon one very important header and a battle against Matt Clarke shortly after coming on.
Seko (for Pearson 84) 7
Some might've argued he deserved a start after his performance against Burnley. A brilliant cross for Mubama to flick in in stoppage time.
Subtitutes not used: Bonham, Gibson, Mears, Bocat, Fawunmi, Bozenik
Derby County: Zetterstrom; Nyambe, Batth, Clarke, Forsyth; Thompson, Goudmijn (Ozoh 68), Adams, Blackett-Taylor (Weimann 79), Jackson (Sanderson 90+4), Morris
Substitutes not used: Vickers, Osborn, Elder, Rooney, Brown, Clark
GOALS
Stoke - Baker 69, Mubama 90+5, Thomas 90+9; Derby - Morris 60
The referee: Elliot Bell
Attendance: 25,746 (3,375 away)
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Up next: Walsall (H) - Tuesday 12 August, 7:45pm kick off