In a stunning display at the bet365 Stadium, Stoke City secured a resounding 6-1 victory against Portsmouth, marking a triumphant debut for new manager Narcis Pelach in the Championship. Tom Cannon, on loan from Leicester City, was the standout performer, scoring four goals, becoming the first Stoke player in 24 years to achieve such a feat in a single match.
Cannon opened the scoring in the 13th minute, taking advantage of a free-kick awarded after a foul on teammate Sam Gallagher. Despite Portsmouth briefly equalizing through Mark O'Mahony, Stoke quickly regained control, leading 3-1 at halftime. The Potters showcased their attacking prowess with five goals in a ten-minute span around the break.
Alongside Cannon's remarkable performance, Sam Gallagher also found the net, and Andrew Moran capped off the scoring for Stoke. The defeat for Portsmouth marked an unwanted record, as they now sit with eight consecutive league games without a win at the start of the season.
In other Championship action, Sheffield United maintained their unbeaten run with a narrow 1-0 victory over Swansea, while Preston emerged from the relegation zone with a convincing 3-0 win against Watford, thanks to a brace from Milutin Osmajic.