were then controversially beaten 3–2 by Watford at Vicarage Road. Fletcher had given Stoke an early lead before Tom Cleverley leveled for Watford despite clearly barging into Angus Gunn. A João Pedro penalty put Watford in front with Stoke responding through Powell. Ismaïla Sarr won the match late on for the Hornets despite a handball in the build up. Stoke beat early league leaders Reading 3–0 with goals from Campbell, Fletcher and Brown to earn a first league victory at the Madjeski Stadium. Stoke suffered an injury problem after both senior goalkeepers, Adam Davies and Angus Gunn were ruled out for up to two months with Josef Bursik being recalled from his loan at Doncaster Rovers. Bursik started two days later against Carlos Corberán's Huddersfield Town who took the lead through Carel Eiting. Two quick goals from Campbell put Stoke in front before Isaac Mbenza levelled for the Terriers. An own goal from Richard Stearman ensured Stoke went into half time with a 3–2 lead which was extended by Sam Clucas early in the second half. Naby Sarr pulled another goal back for Huddersfield but Stoke held out for a 4–3 victory. Stoke struggled against leaders Norwich City and were 3–0 down early in the second half after goals from Emiliano Buendía and a brace from Teemu Pukki. Buendía was then sent-off which sparked a comeback from Stoke with Campbell and Collins scoring but Norwich held on to win 3–2. November ended with a drab goalless draw at Tony Pulis' Sheffield Wednesday. December Stoke's goalkeeping injury crisis worsened prior to the match against Wycombe Wanderers after Niki Mäenpää who was signed on a temporary deal to provide cover for Bursik, also suffered an injury in training meaning that Andy Lonergan was brought in on a similar contract. 1,000 Wycombe fans were allowed to attend the match following the end of the second lockdown in England and they saw Nick Powell score the only goal of the game after 72 minutes. Stoke moved into a play-off position for the first time this season with a 1–0 win over Middlesbrough thanks to a first half header from Nathan Collins. They then missed the chance to move into an automatic place as Cardiff City came from behind to win 2–1. A depleted Stoke team played out a goalless draw at Derby County on 12 December. Stoke suffered another long-term injury after it was