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.