Stoke City fans fume as Mark Robins favourite makes ‘poor’ mistake in West Brom defeat

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Stoke City were beaten for the first time this season in the Championship on Saturday afternoon, as West Brom took all three points at the bet365 Stadium.

In what proved to be a relatively close contest between the two sides, it was one moment of madness that proved critical for Mark Robins’ side in Staffordshire, although the home side perhaps lacked a true threat.

The Potters had won all three of their opening games before the visit of the Baggies, and they were knocked off top spot by Middlesbrough, who added to Sheffield United’s problems with a 1-0 victory themselves.

Nevertheless, it could have been so different for Stoke had the ever-dependable Viktor Johansson looked a little bit more confident from an early corner.

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Stoke City fans bemoan crucial Viktor Johansson mistake in defeat to West Brom

It was a tetchy start for the Potters, with Johansson nearly carrying the ball into the back of his own net from an in-swinging West Brom cross.

Just moments later, the Sweden international was at the centre of huge embarrassment as he failed to claim a corner, allowing Nat Phillips to ease the ball through a crowd to hand the away side the lead, leaving Stoke fans very angry.

Another supporter wrote: “Poor from Vik that.”

While a third said: “One mistake costly.”

Fans of other clubs were also quick to note the mistake, with one writing: “Best keeper in the league apparently?”

And another put: “Best goalkeeper in the league?”

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Viktor Johansson’s out of character day

It was just one of those days for Johansson, who was unable to properly make up for his mistake as Stoke failed to make any true inroads on Josh Griffiths’ goal.

The Potters’ shot-stopper made two saves, but failed to complete a single high claim as the Baggies targeted him in the first-half.

Middlesbrough made sure that they kept up their perfect start to the season, leaving Stoke outside the top two for the first time in 2025/26, with West Brom overtaking them.

Nevertheless, this has been an excellent opening four games for Robins and he will be extremely pleased with how his players have applied themselves in August.