Stoke City are slowly climbing the Championship table and Gary Rowett’s side are starting to look like a really strong outfit following their shaky start to the season.  

The Potters were amongst the favourites to win promotion before a ball was even kicked this season, but they endured a slow start to life under Rowett.

However, things are looking up now, with Stoke eight games unbeaten and looking a good bet to challenge for the play-offs – should they come through the festive periods with positive results.

Yesterday, a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town was recorded, with Stoke again showing signs of improvements under Rowett.

Tom Ince’s goal came on the stroke of half-time, with Joe Allen putting a result to bed with a goal in the second-half.

After another encouraging afternoon at the bet365 Stadium, we take a look at THREE things we learnt about Stoke following their latest three point haul…

Tom Ince is in great form for the Potters, with the 26-year-old scoring three goals in his last three appearances.

It’s no surprise that his good form has brought an improvement in results.

He’s key to this side and their chance of success this season.

Gary Rowett has taken a lot of criticism this season following a poor start, but now he’s starting to show why he’s the man to take Stoke forward.

His style of play might not be that attractive, but he is getting results, which is so important in the Championship.

He deserves praise for this run.

Stoke’s good run has put them back in play-off contention and that has to be their aim this season.

In such a tight division, Stoke are right in contention now.

Picking up points against the current top-six is going to be important, but Stoke have the quality to do that.

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