Stoke kicked off the season in style — their best start in 27 years — with four wins from five league games in August.

But the momentum stalled heading into the international break.

A four-game winless run, including three straight draws, left fans feeling frustrated.

Then again, that frustration might just be a sign of how far this team has come.

Defensively, they've looked solid throughout, but a lack of goals had become a growing concern. That's why Saturday's 1-0 win over Wrexham will feel like a relief, even if Sorba Thomas' winner was a bit fortuitous.

Mark Robins' side controlled large spells of the game, especially after the break, with Wrexham struggling to find any real rhythm.

Thomas was a standout once again — grabbing his fourth goal of the season and causing constant problems down the left. He's clearly thriving in a Stoke shirt now, with seven goal involvements in nine appearances.

Robins said he wanted to hit the ground running after the break — and so far, so good.