Midweek start joined exclusive list of memorable City moments

STOKE City writer PETE SMITH looks at the latest news from the bet365 Stadium...

- PETE SMITH

image 1

(pete smith)

QUICK OFF THE MARK

Stoke City’s lightning start against Charlton Athletic was the quickest they have scored two goals in a match in 33-and-a-half years.

Sorba Thomas gave Stoke the lead in the third minute on Tuesday night before Million Manhoef cut inside to add a second after five minutes as the Potters went on to secure a comfortable 3-0 win.

Thanks to Question of Sport question setter James Knowles for setting the challenge of seeing if Stoke have ever previously netted a double in the first five minutes - and it certainly hasn't happened often.

They have scored two in the first 15 minutes on at least 13 occasions since 1970, including Marko Arnautovic's brace against Manchester City in December 2015, a flying start at home against Bristol City last season (14 mins) and against Nathan Jones's Luton in November 2022 (13 mins).

They scored twice in the first 13 minutes on two occasions in October 2000 (2-0 v Bournemouth, 2-1 v Millwall) and against Southend in September 1994.