Stoke relegated after 10 years in the Premier League
The Britannia Stadium team had to say goodbye to the highest level of the foggy country after losing to Crystal Palace with a score of 1-2 in round 37.
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England goalkeeper Jack Butland is one of the stars whose future is uncertain after Stoke's relegation. Photo:AFP. |
Goals: Shaqiri 43' - McArthur 68', van Aanholt 86'
Stoke were playing at home in a fateful game, with the home crowd going wild as Stoke took the lead late in the first half thanks to a fine free-kick from Xherdan Shaqiri.
However, Crystal Palace gave Stoke fans one of the saddest days in their history. The visitors launched a quick counter-attack that allowed James McArthur to equalise midway through the second half. Late in the game, captain Ryan Shawcross's failed clearance became the assist for Patrick van Aanholt to score the winning goal, making it 2-1.
The defeat meant Stoke were relegated exactly 10 years after winning promotion to the Premier League. It took Stoke more than two decades to return from their last league exit in 1985.
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Shaqiri and coach Lambert hugged each other after the opening goal. Photo:Reuters. |
In 10 years in the Premier League, Stoke was divided into two periods. The first period was under the leadership of coach Tony Pulis with a typical English style of play that focused on aerial balls and power. This was the period when Stoke was always a tough opponent for the big teams, especially when playing at home at the Britannia Stadium.
In an effort to improve their playing style, Stoke decided to part ways with Pulis and invited former Man Utd striker Mark Hughes to lead the team since 2013. In addition, the team also spent heavily on a series of attacking stars such as Shaqiri, Arnautovic and Affelay. However, Mark Hughes did not create many breakthroughs until he was fired in the middle of this season.
Paul Lambert replaced Mark Hughes but he could not save Stoke from the relegation zone. The team won just 10 points from 14 Premier League games under Lambert.
In contrast to Stoke's sadness, Crystal Palace stayed in the league with 41 points. This was a spectacular escape for this team, which had set a record of losing all seven opening Premier League matches. Palace's achievement was greatly contributed by former England coach Roy Hodgson, who was appointed in mid-September 2017 with the aim of rescuing the team.
Bao Lam
