Stoke City won’t see another side like Middlesbrough and their 1-8-1 formation

Mike Pejic argues that Stoke City will unlikely encounter another opponent this season playing the unique tactical system Middlesbrough deployed at the bet365 Stadium. Pejic describes Middlesbrough's approach as functioning like an effective 1-8-1 formation rather than their listed 3-4-2-1, using wide defenders to aggressively overload the midfield and control two-thirds of the pitch against Mark Robins' side.

Stoke battled back twice during the match to level the score at 2-2, with Robert Bozenik among the scorers, before eventually losing to a goal conceded from a corner. Pejic believes Stoke should have closed out the match to secure a point at 2-2, but praised the team's effort and resilience ahead of their upcoming fixture against Derby.