Michael Appleton’s side can have no complaints with the result having been second best for the majority of the game.
Here’s how Blackpool’s players performed at the bet365 Stadium...
1. MAN OF THE MATCH: Dan Grimshaw - 7/10
Scoreline would have been a whole lot worse if it wasn’t for Grimshaw, who made two or three excellent saves. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
2. Callum Connolly - 5/10
Gave the wide man far too much time and space to pick out his cross for Stoke’s opening goal. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
3. Marvin Ekpiteta - 4/10
Uncharastically shaky from the big man. Far too rushed on the ball and even beaten in the air too easily at times. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
4. Rhys Williams - 6/10
Looked more composed on the ball than his partner and produced a couple of important blocks. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
5. Dom Thompson - 6/10
Endured a difficult first-half like everyone, but came into his own during the second period. Solid enough. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
6. Lewis Fiorini - 5/10
Not as influential as he was against Reading last week. Deliveries from set-pieces were hit and miss too. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth