confirmed that Campbell would miss the rest of the season. Three days later they played out another goalless draw this time away at Queens Park Rangers. They then ground out a 1–0 win over Blackburn Rovers with Powell scoring an early diving header. On Boxing day against Coventry City, City played out a third consecutive goalless away draw. Stoke ended 2020 with a 1–1 draw against Nottingham Forest in foggy conditions. January Stoke began 2021 with a narrow defeat against promotion chasing AFC Bournemouth. For the trip to Blackburn Rovers, O'Neil gave first starts to new signings Rabbi Matondo and Rhys Norrington-Davies in what was Stoke's youngest starting eleven for 15 years with an average age of 25. Powell gave Stoke a first half lead before Blackburn equalised through John Buckley. James Chester was then sent-off after bringing down Adam Armstrong who was through on goal and Stoke held on for a 1–1 draw. The side then drew 3–3 at relegation threatened Rotherham United with O'Neill critical of his teams defending. Stoke ended January without a win after defeat against Watford and a draw away at Huddersfield Town where Rhys Norrington-Davies was sent-off just before half time. In the January transfer window, O'Neill trimmed his squad by loaning out Moritz Bauer, Lee Gregory, Tom Ince, Liam Lindsay and Kevin Wimmer whilst Thibaud Verlinden left on a permanent basis. Coming in were Alfie Doughty from Charlton Athletic and three loans Jack Clarke, Rabbi Matondo and Rhys Norrington-Davies. February Stoke's barren run of form continued into February with a goalless draw against Reading and a heavy defeat at Norwich. Stoke ended their nine-game winless run with a 1–0 win against Sheffield Wednesday with Steven Fletcher scoring against his former club. On 19 February 2021, club captain Ryan Shawcross left Stoke by mutual consent after 14 years ahead of a move to Inter Miami CF in the United States. City coasted to a 3–0 win against Luton Town with Powell scoring twice to complete a league double over the Hatters. The team then put in an inept performance away at Barnsley, losing 2–0. Stoke ended February with a first visit to the Brentford Community Stadium where they lost 2–1 despite taking the lead in the first minute. March Stoke lost a third game in a row after a 2–1 defeat against Swansea. Powell gave City an early lead but goals from Connor Roberts