Stoke City drew 1-1 with Hull City in the EFL Cup, with both sides using a 4-2-3-1 system but Hull producing the stronger attacking numbers. Robert Bozenik scored Stoke’s goal and provided the hosts’ principal cutting edge, although Hull recorded 18 shots to Stoke’s 10 and tested the home goalkeeper six times. The visitors also held 56% possession, allowing them to sustain more pressure and finish with 1.86 xG, compared with Stoke’s 1.24. Stoke were nevertheless competitive without controlling the ball, registering four shots on target and finding enough space within their narrower share of possession to remain level. Their goalkeeper’s 83.33% save rate proved important against Hull’s greater volume of accurate attempts, while Hull’s goalkeeper saved 75% of the shots he faced. Neither side gained a clear structural advantage from matching formations, so the distinction came through Hull’s higher shot output and Stoke’s resilience when defending their penalty area. The draw leaves the cup contest unresolved after an evenly balanced scoreline.