This was the first goalless draw between Swansea and Stoke since 1962
Swansea City remain unbeaten at home in the Championship this season but they were unable to find a way past Stoke City in a frustrating goalless draw.
Swansea had the greater share of chances in an open first half, the best of which saw Eom Ji-sung slam a shot against the underside of the crossbar.
The hosts continued to squander opportunities after the break, while Stoke could have snatched victory had Tom Cannon not fired straight at Lawrence Vigouroux when he was through on goal.
Cannon had another chance to win the game with three minutes left but saw his shot cleared off the line by Ben Cabango.
A first goalless draw in 41 meetings between the teams sees Swansea move up one place to 11th in the Championship table, while Stoke remain 15th.
A goalless draw between two mid-table teams may not sound like a recipe for entertainment but this match had plenty going for it – just not in terms of goals.
The first half in particular was a fluent affair which provided chances for both teams – especially the home side – but the finishing did not match the approach play.
Swansea were almost gifted a goal in the third minute as Stoke midfielder Bae Jun-ho casually backheeled the ball in his own penalty area to Ronald, whose low shot was brilliantly palmed away by Viktor Johansson.
Stoke’s best chance of the first half fell to Eric Bocat, whose low left-footed shot was kept out by Vigouroux’s legs.
Ronald had two more opportunities for the Swans, squandering one particularly promising position as he pulled an effort wide before seeing another blocked.
Then after Stoke’s Andy Moran had a shot deflected wide, Eom came within inches of putting Swansea ahead as he cut inside from the left and blasted against the bar.
As chances came and went, you could see why these teams have struggled for goals this season.
Swansea have now managed just eight from nine league games, while six of Stoke’s 10 had come in their midweek dismantling of Portsmouth.
It was a similar story in the second half, with Johansson denying the Swans again with a save from Zan Vipotnik’s diving header before Harry Darling nodded over from Matt Grimes’ fine free-kick.
In between those openings, Stoke striker Cannon – fresh from his four-goal haul against Pompey – was sent clean through on goal but his tame finish was well saved by Vigouroux.
Cannon was denied again in the 87th minute as his shot inside the penalty area was blocked off the line by Cabango.
Stoke finished the game strongly as Andre Vigidal had a shot saved but, ultimately, neither team could summon the quality required to break the deadlock.
Post-match reaction
Swansea head coach Luke Williams:
“We are having the same talk in the dressing room game after game – I might just as well put the team meeting on repeat. It’s difficult to get away from that being the case.
“But there is a lot to be optimistic about because we only have to change a small amount. We’ve had three games at home that we’ve drawn that we should have won.
“If we’d converted those draws into wins we would be sixth or seventh. The challenge for us has been to create more chances and we did that today.
“It’s encouraging and turning those chances into a reality would be perfect.”
Stoke head coach Narcis Pelach:
“I’m pleased with the performance. It’s just one point but the performance was good. It was difficult to put in another performance like we had midweek.
“Swansea are a very good side. I came here with Norwich a month ago and we lost 1-0, so I knew how difficult it would be.
“We tried to press, put a lot of effort into the game. We did well for some time but couldn’t sustain it. You have to be at a good level individually and as a team, so I’m pleased with the performance.
“I’ve only had 20 days in the building so not had much time to coach but I think the body language, the attitude has been amazing. I’m pleased because that’s all I can ask.”
