2012–13 Stoke City F.C. season

Stoke's first league match of the 2012–13 season saw them come up against newly promoted Reading at the Madejski Stadium. New signing Michael Kightly made his league debut and marked it with scoring the opening goal albeit thanks to an error from "Royals" goalkeeper Adam Federici. The home side were not posing much of a threat to Stoke's goal but they were gifted the chance to equalise in the final minute of the match as Dean Whitehead brought down Garath McCleary in the area and conceded a penalty, and to make matters worse for Whitehead he was shown a second yellow. Adam le Fondre made no mistake from the spot and it was a case of two points dropped for Stoke.[15]

The first home match of the season was against old adversaries Arsenal with the match being broadcast live on TV. Geoff Cameron made his first appearance in a red and white shirt and produced a good performance in a match which surprisingly failed to live up to the buildup. There were few moments of excitement with Jonathan Walters having Stoke's best effort, hitting the back of the net but it was ruled out for offside. The "Gunners" struggled to make Asmir Begović work in the City goal and the match finished in a rather tame goalless draw.[16] On transfer deadline day Stoke completed the signings of midfielders Charlie Adam, Maurice Edu and Steven Nzonzi.[17]

Charlie Adam and Maurice Edu were both on the bench for the match at 'bogey' side Wigan Athletic. Stoke made a terrible start to the match conceding a penalty after just four minutes after Robert Huth handled in the area and Shaun Maloney made no mistake from the spot. The away support were beginning to vent their frustration towards Pulis but after half an hour he brought on Adam for his debut. He impressed instantly with his passing ability and Stoke were awarded a penalty of their own just before half time, Jonathan Walters scoring for Stoke. But poor defending at the start of the second half gifted Franco Di Santo a goal and Stoke were again chasing the match. Peter Crouch scored his first league goal of the season and Stoke could have won it but for a wonder save from Ali Al-Habsi denying Adam a debut goal.[18]

On 4 September Stoke announced the signing of former Real Madrid and England striker Michael Owen on a one-year contract.[19] Nzonzi and Adam made their home debuts against Premier League title holders Manchester City as Stoke lined up in a new look formation which included three centre midfielders. And it was Stoke who took the lead via Peter Crouch, although TV replays showed that he handled in the buildup. Stoke then had to as expected weather a lot of pressure from Man City but they leveled from a set play, Javi García being left unmarked. Michael Owen came off the bench for the final few moments as Begović and Shawcross prevented Manchester City winning the match late on. It was Stoke's fourth draw in a row and all from the start of a season, a club record.[20] After the match Andy Wilkinson was handed a three match ban after an off the ball altercation with Mario Balotelli.[21]

Stoke then played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and were the better side for most of the 90 minutes. They had chances to take the points with Walters hitting the crossbar and Kightly and Crouch guilty of missed opportunities and Chelsea took full advantage with Ashley Cole scoring with five minutes left handing Stoke an undeserved defeat.[22]

Stoke went into their next match at home to Swansea looking for their first win of the season and that's what they got after a simple enough victory. Michael Laudrup's Swansea as expected enjoyed a large amount of possession but they never threatened to trouble Stoke's defence and Peter Crouch scored twice before half time to settle the contest.[23]

Prior to the League match against Liverpool Stoke were handed a boost when captain Ryan Shawcross earned a call up to the England team.[24] The match against Liverpool saw both sides cancel each other out in a bad tempered 0–0 draw.[25]

After the international break Stoke completed their tough set of opening fixtures away at Manchester United. Stoke made a great start and took the lead through an own goal by Wayne Rooney and Stoke could have added to their goal tally with Adam and Walters going close. But poor defending cost Stoke dearly as Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck saw the "Red Devils" turn the match in their favour. Kightly pulled one back but Rooney scored his second goal to make it 4–2.[26]

The next match saw Stoke and Sunderland play out an uneventful and lifeless goalless draw at the Britannia but it proved to be a costly one for Stoke as left back Marc Wilson broke his fibula.[27]

Stoke then put in a poor performance away at Norwich City going down by a solitary goal from Bradley Johnson.[28]

Stoke went into their next match then against bottom of the table Queens Park Rangers looking for a much needed win. It was a scrappy encounter with Rangers' Adel Taarabt causing City's defence problems with his skill but were also thankful for his poor decision making which left him squandering QPR's best chances. Charlie Adam scored his first goal for Stoke just after half time and that proved to be the winning goal.[29]

Stoke's next match was against in form West Ham United moved to a Monday night for live TV coverage. Stoke began the match brightly and scored through Walters after 13 minutes via a well worked corner routine. City continued to dominate the first half and almost scored again but Nzonzi's powerful shot cannoned off the woodwork. However it was role reversal in the second half at the "Hammers" took control of the game and soon levelled through Joey O'Brien but Stoke fought off West Ham's revival and earned a decent point.[30]

Stoke then began a three-game week with a home match against Fulham and for the second match at the Britannia the match was settled by a single goal from Charlie Adam. Stoke had several chances to win by a bigger margin but were guilty of poor finishing.[31]

The mid-week match against an out of form Newcastle United side saw Stoke come from behind to claim a late victory. Papiss Cissé put the "Magpies" in front just after half time capitalising on an error from Glenn Whelan. Substitutes Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome then came off the bench to spark Stoke's turnaround. Firstly, Jerome provided an assist for Jonathan Walters and then scored the winning goal after being set up by Jones.[32]

Stoke's then played high-flying West Bromwich Albion who at the time were in the top four. Stoke produced a disciplined defensive performance nullifying Albion's attack and grabbed a 1–0 win thanks to a rare goal from Dean Whitehead.[33]

Stoke again played away at Midlands opponents this time Aston Villa and both sides cancelled each other out in a drab goalless draw. Stoke had Ryan Shotton sent off for two bookable offences.[34]

Stoke then played out a bruising 1–1 draw with Everton on 15 December. The "Toffees" took the lead after Steven Pienaar's cross was deflected into the net by Ryan Shawcross and the visitors almost scored again soon after with Leon Osman missing from close range. Stoke levelled thanks to Kenwyne Jones' first league goal since August 2011 but the major indecent of the match saw Marouane Fellaini deliberately headbutt Shawcross which was missed by referee Mark Halsey.[35] After the match Fellaini issued a public apology to Shawcross and was given a retrospective three match ban.[36]

City then earned their fifth goalless draw of the season (10th in total) with an impressive defensive display at Tottenham Hotspur.[37] The draw saw Stoke reach 18 Premier League matches conceding just 13 goals with nine clean sheets, the fifth best defensive record in Europe.[38]

On Boxing day City took on Liverpool in a late evening kick-off and the visitors took the lead very early on as after just 30 seconds Luis Suárez was fouled in the area and Steven Gerrard scored the spot kick. Stoke instantly replied with Walters and then Jones to turn the game around and victory was completed in the second half with Walters scoring a second to earn Stoke a 3–1 win.[39]

The final match of 2012 saw another incident packed 90 minutes against Southampton. Stoke without key defensive duo Shawcross and Cameron saw the "Saints" take the lead through Rickie Lambert but Stoke soon levelled though a Jones back heel. Then two awful defensive mistakes gave the away side a 3–1 lead. Stoke pulled one back through Matthew Upson midway through the second half and then had Steven Nzonzi sent off for an apparent stamp on Jack Cork. Stoke did make it 3–3 with Cameron Jerome scoring from 30 yards in the final minute. Nzonzi's red card was later rescinded by the FA.[40]

Stoke began 2013 with another tame 3–0 defeat away at Manchester City on 1 January, ending Stoke's ten-match unbeaten run. Manchester City were in complete control of the match and only their poor finishing prevented them taking the lead. Eventually they did break the deadlock just before half-time after James Milner's cross was blocked by Begović but Pablo Zabaleta was able to score the rebound. The second half continued in the same vein and after Sergio Agüero's shot was parried by the Stoke keeper his compatriot Edin Džeko scored a simple tap-in. Stoke tried to hit back through a Charlie Adam free-kick before Walters blazed a shot over from close-range. Stoke's misery was compounded when Nzonzi fouled David Silva and conceded a penalty which Agüero converted, with Nzonzi receiving a yellow card for the foul.[41]

Chelsea then ended Stoke's 11-month unbeaten home run in the Premier League in emphatic fashion beating Stoke 4–0. However it was a harsh scoreline as Chelsea's goals came from two own goals from, Jonathan Walters a Frank Lampard penalty and a long-range effort from Eden Hazard. To add to Walters' woe he also missed a last minute penalty.[42]

Stoke's awful start to 2013 continued with a poor 3–1 loss at Swansea City After a goalless first half Swansea dominated the second period and took the lead through their full-back Ben Davies. After Adam had fouled Michu, Dutch midfielder Jonathan de Guzmán curled in the free-kick and then Jerome missed an easy chance to pull one back for Stoke. de Guzmán ended the game as a contest when he scored to complete a flowing Swansea move although Stoke did manage to get a consolation goal, Michael Owen scoring in the final minute for what was his 150th Premier League goal.[43]

Stoke then threw away a two-goal lead against Wigan Athletic on 29 January, their fourth 2–2 draw with Wigan in four seasons.[44] Stoke ended the month by completing the transfers of USA international Brek Shea and England goalkeeper Jack Butland.[45]

Stoke continued their poor run with a narrow 1–0 defeat at Arsenal courtesy of a Lukas Podolski free-kick.[46]

Stoke secured their first league win of 2013 against Reading. After a goalless first half Stoke scored through a Robert Huth header and a fine goal from Jerome but the Royals quickly responded with Adrian Mariappa heading a late corner but Stoke held on for a 2–1 victory.[47][48]

After a two-week international break Stoke travelled to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham. Stoke failed to improve on their terrible away record of one win in 23 as Martin Jol's side won 1–0 thanks to a fine volley from Dimitar Berbatov. Stoke had the chance to earn a point from the penalty spot but Walters's kick was weak and easily saved by Mark Schwarzer.[49] It got worse for Stoke as Huth was given a retrospective three match ban after an off the ball altercation with Philippe Senderos.[50][51]

With Huth suspended Marc Wilson filled in a centre back against West Ham United in what was another poor performance by Stoke.[52] West Ham scored the only goal via Jack Collison and the Stoke supporters began to vent their frustration at manager Tony Pulis.[53]

Stoke's next away match was against Newcastle United and Stoke took the lead in the second half with Walters converting a penalty which he won. Stoke could not hold out for a point though as the Magpies drew level through a Yohan Cabaye free-kick and then Papiss Cissé scored in the final minute to extended Stoke's losing run to three matches.[54]

The Midlands derby against West Brom was a good opportunity for Stoke to end their poor form but it turned out to be a frustrating afternoon. There was few chances from both sides and Stoke's best chance came in the final minute through Kenwyne Jones but he could only hit his shot straight at Ben Foster and the match finished in a drab 0–0 draw.[55][56]

Stoke's final game of a barren March saw them travel to Everton. Stoke missed a glorious chance to take an early lead after a Ryan Shotton long throw-in was headed towards goal by Huth and saved by Tim Howard, Walters could only hit the crossbar. Everton had a couple half-chances though Nikica Jelavić before they scored in fine style. A Marc Wilson cross was punched away by Howard and the ball fell for Belgian Kevin Mirallas who broke clear of the retreating Stoke defence and slotted the ball past Begović. Stoke had chances in the second half to pull level but failed to take them with Walters, Huth, Shotton and Jerome all guilty of poor finishing and Everton won the match 1–0.[57][58]

Stoke entered the final six games of the 2012–13 season with a vital home match against Midlands rivals Aston Villa at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke got off to an awful start after poor defending let in Gabriel Agbonlahor to score after ten minutes. Stoke failed to trouble Brad Guzan and Villa almost scored again through Andreas Weimann whose shot hit the post. City improved marginally after the break and scored in the 80th minute through substitute Michael Kightly. But Villa defender Matthew Lowton then scored an unstoppable goal, a volley from 30 yards and with Stoke pushing for an equaliser they were caught on the counterattack and Christian Benteke sealed a 3–1 win and left Stoke fully involved in the relegation fight.[59]

Stoke's slide towards the relegation zone continued with 2–0 home defeat against champions elect Manchester United on 14 April. The Potters made an awful start conceding after just four minutes after a Robin van Persie corner was not dealt with by the Stoke defence and the ball was prodded in by Michael Carrick. Stoke rarely threatened David de Gea and when he was finally tested by Charlie Adam Stoke gave away a penalty after Wilkinson fouled van Persie in the area who converted the spot kick.[60][61] Pulis decided to impose a media ban for the remainder of the season on his players in order to 'keep them focused'.[62]

City then travelled to lowly Queens Park Rangers and came away with a vital 2–0 victory only their 2nd win of 2013. Peter Crouch scored for the first time since January and a Walters penalty lifted Stoke six points away from danger.[63]

Stoke then beat Norwich City 1–0 on 27 April to move them onto the 40 point mark in a match which saw the supporters pay tribute to former player Paul Ware. Charlie Adam scored the only goal of the game just after half-time, Stoke could have added a second but Crouch was guilty of some poor finishing.[64]

Stoke played relegation threatened Sunderland on 6 May and Stoke took a 9th-minute lead through Walters after Sunderland failed to clear a Charlie Adam corner. It got worse for the Black Cats as Craig Gardner was sent-off for a foul on Adam just before half time. However Sunderland managed to earn a point thanks to a goal from John O'Shea.[65]

The last home match of the 2012–13 season against Tottenham Hotspur was used as a 'celebration match' for the club's 150th anniversary. To mark the occasion 80 former players attended the match and performed a lap of honour whilst the supporters received a free T-shirt. Stoke started the match brilliantly with Steven Nzonzi scoring his first goal for City after just three minutes. Spurs levelled through Clint Dempsey who punished a defensive mix-up between Wilson and Begović. Just after half time Stoke's task was made harder when Charlie Adam picked up a second yellow card meaning Stoke had to play the remaining 40 minutes with ten men. Stoke couldn't hold on to a draw as Emmanuel Adebayor scored the winning goal for Spurs.[66]

Stoke ended the 2012–13 season with a 1–1 draw away at Southampton, Crouch scoring just after half time for Stoke before Rickie Lambert made sure the season ended with a draw.[67] It proved to be Pulis' final game in charge of Stoke as two days later he left the club by mutual consent.[68] He was replaced by fellow Welshman Mark Hughes.