NORWICH, England (Jan. 4, 2026) (Interstat) — Stoke City opened its Championship season with a 2-0 road victory over Norwich City on Sunday at Carrow Road, defying pre-match projections.

The match was scoreless until the final 15 minutes. Substitute Sam Gallagher broke the deadlock in the 75th minute. Fellow substitute Sorba Thomas doubled the lead just seven minutes later in the 82nd.

Both late goals were assisted by other substitutes, with Ben Pearson setting up Gallagher and Mohammed Lawal providing for Thomas. Norwich midfielder Kellen Fisher also received a yellow card.

The result overturned statistical forecasts that favored Norwich. Stoke begins its league campaign with a win, while Norwich starts with a loss.