Divin Mubama's first career hat-trick lit up the Bet365 Stadium as Stoke City dismantled fellow promotion hopefuls Bristol City 5-1 and climbed above them into third place in the Championship. The Manchester City loanee struck twice in a ruthless first half and completed his treble after the break on an afternoon when almost every Stoke attack seemed to carry menace.
Junior Tchamadeu produced a stunning individual goal and Million Manhoef curled home another as the Potters raced into a 3-0 lead inside 25 minutes and then made it four less than 90 seconds after half-time. Mark Sykes' late header finally rewarded Bristol City's attacking efforts, but it could do little to soften a result that ended their three-game winning run and unbeaten away record, dropping the Robins to fifth as Stoke celebrated a third win in four.
Inspired Full-Back Call Sets Up Dream Start
Stoke boss Mark Robins made just one change to his starting line-up, restoring Junior Tchamadeu at right-back in place of Maksym Talovierov. That decision was vindicated almost immediately. The Cameroon defender surged past Neto Borges down the right and drilled a powerful low cross into the six-yard box, where Mubama arrived at pace to sweep home from close range and give the hosts the perfect start.