West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City played out a forgettable 0-0 draw in the English Football League Championship on February 7, 2026. The match at The Hawthorns was a tactical stalemate with few clear opportunities, as both mid-table sides seemed more concerned with avoiding defeat than chasing a win. The best chance of a drab first half fell to West Brom, whose striker headed over from a good position inside the six-yard box. Stoke City improved after the interval and had a goal correctly ruled out for offside after a quick VAR check, which was as close as either team came to breaking the deadlock. The final twenty minutes saw the game open up slightly, but a combination of poor final passes and solid defending from both teams ensured the scoreline remained goalless. The single point does little for either team's ambitions, with West Brom remaining in the top half but losing ground on the playoffs, and Stoke City staying firmly in the middle of the pack. Both managers admitted the quality of the match was lacking in their post-match interviews, with each praising their team's defensive work but acknowledging the need for more creativity. The starting lineups reflected a cautious approach, with both sides fielding robust midfields that effectively neutralized each other.