Stoke City Vs Oxford Utd: Rak-Sakyi header seals 2-1 win as Potters arrest slump
In a midweek Championship clash, stoke city vs oxford utd ended 2-1 as Jesurun Rak-Sakyi's second-half header restored the hosts' lead and produced a timely victory at the bet365 Stadium. The result carries immediate consequences for both sides' league positions and form runs.
Stoke City Vs Oxford Utd: match report and decisive moments
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi restored Stoke's lead early in the second half. The 23-year-old, on loan from Crystal Palace, scored his first Stoke City goal and grabbed what match accounts record as the winner in the 56th minute; other coverage places the header after 57 minutes. The goal came from a left-wing cross by Sorba Thomas — Thomas' delivery was recorded as his eighth assist of the campaign.
The hosts had taken the lead through Lamine Cisse on 37 minutes after a swift move in which Million Manhoef played Cisse in to finish past Jamie Cumming; one description notes this was Cisse's maiden league goal for the Potters at the 24th attempt. Stoke were pegged back on the stroke of half-time when Will Vaulks chipped into the box, finding Stanley Mills, who headed across the face of goal for Ciaron Brown to volley home from eight yards.
Oxford went close to retaking the lead on 53 minutes when Will Lankshear backheeled a powerful Cameron Brannagan free-kick against the crossbar. Three minutes later Rak-Sakyi was at the far post to head home following Thomas' cross and restore Stoke's advantage. Earlier chances came in the opening stages: Tommy Simkin released a 12th-minute pass through the middle to Million Manhoef, who played in Rak-Sakyi; Rak-Sakyi fired a low shot at Jamie Cumming. Five minutes later Cumming was again called into action to deny Eric Bocat's low drive.
Key chances, claims and fine margins
The opening third was dominated by Stoke, with the home side maintaining possession but initially unable to find a breakthrough; Sorba Thomas tested his luck in the 20th minute with a shot that flew wide. The visitors' first clear sight of goal came in the 25th minute when Will Lankshear's effort from the edge of the area was gathered by Simkin. At 1-1, Stoke claimed an offside in the build-up to the equaliser but replays suggested Ciaron Brown was marginally onside when he scored.
There were late opportunities for the hosts as well: Cisse could have made it 3-1 when his looping attempt was cleared by Will Vaulks 18 minutes from the end. Will Lankshear also struck the woodwork for Matt Bloomfield's side while the match was balanced at 1-1.
Form context: runs, records and recent results
Pre-match form notes recorded Stoke as winless in eight, having started the calendar year with three consecutive victories in all competitions before the downturn. The victory in this match is described in one match summary as ending a seven-match winless league run, and it was noted as the Potters' first home Championship success since December 13. The win completed the league double over relegation-threatened Oxford.
Stoke's league position after the win left them seven points shy of the play-off places. Oxford's situation is described in different terms across the available coverage: one account places Oxford six points adrift of safety with West Brom in 21st place, while a season summary lists Oxford sitting 23rd having recorded six wins, 11 draws and 16 defeats from 33 league outings.
Squad, injuries and selection notes
Match narrative notes that the Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi began the season in Turkey. A preview penned by Calum Burrowes on 23 Feb 2026 (last updated 23 Feb 2026 17: 45) records that Stoke appeared to have come away from a recent clash with no further injuries, but that manager Mark Robins might be tempted to make changes. The preview also states that a shoulder injury to Viktor Johansson has meant their first-choice goalkeeper was yet to play in 2026 and would remain sidelined, with Tommy Simkin resuming in goal; backup goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is also unavailable.
Broader implications and what comes next
The win eased immediate pressure on Stoke, who were described as being dragged into a relegation scrap prior to the match, while the defeat further strained Oxford's fight for survival. Oxford's season summary highlights managerial changes, inconsistency and a poor attacking record — noted as the worst in the division other than one club whose relegation had been confirmed after an 18-point deduction. Positives for Oxford include recent clean sheets against Coventry City and Middlesbrough, though they failed to score in those fixtures.
Across the campaign context, seven points separate Stoke from sixth-placed Wrexham and with 13 matches remaining a strong finish could keep playoff hopes alive. For Oxford, a run of fixtures against fellow strugglers is presented as an opportunity to try to climb out of the relegation zone. Stoke City manager Mark Robins reflected on the performance and result, praising the supporters and outlining defensive disappointment on set-pieces: "I'm pleased with some of the performance and the result, immensely. I am pleased with the way the supporters stuck by us and helped us get that result over the line. When there is an opponent sat in front of you with a low block or a mid block then it is really difficult to break down. We knew we had to play in a certain way, and I thought we got the balance almost spot on. The only disappointment for me was the defending on the set-play and we allowed them back into the game when we should have been one, two or three up by that stage. "
