Swansea City suffered their first away defeat of the season as Joe Allen's controversial winner gave Stoke City all three points at the bet 365 Stadium.

A much-changed Swans side started well and were always in the contest, although it was the hosts who crafted out the better chances.

Here, we rate the players.

Erwin Mulder 6

Made some good saves and was solid and reliable with his handling on what was a filthy night, a couple of blemishes with the ball at his feet but another assured outing.

Connor Roberts 7

Had looked a little leggy against Forest, but was at his energetic best here up and down the right flank. Composed in defence and worked well in advanced areas down the right.

Mike van der Hoorn 7 - Star man

Hardly put a foot wrong. Brought the ball out from the back, took on any direct stuff and was as rock solid and assured as he has been throughout this season to date. Will be annoyed to have missed late headed chance.

Cameron Carter-Vickers 6

A decent debut. Had a few uncomfortable moments with Afobe and nearly caught in possession a couple of times, but can be happy enough with his first full appearance and his physicality will certainly be an asset.

Martin Olsson 6

Martin Olsson of Swansea City.

Back in the side after injury and relished the chance to get forward during Swansea's start, final ball was hit and miss and was forced to focus on defensive duties as the evening progressed.

Nathan Dyer 6

In the team for the first time this season and started well enough with some strong forays down the right, one of which saw his shot saved by Butland and a cross just miss Byers. But rather petered out after that and no surprise to see him withdrawn as fatigue set in.

Kyle Naughton 6

Kyle Naughton of Swansea City gathers the ball.

Thrust into midfield action again with Swansea short on numbers and held his own again. Could have been more assertive on the ball at times but got through plenty of work and made a number of timely interventions.

Matt Grimes 6

Busy and industrious in the middle of the park, and at the heart of an encouraging opening half hour. The going was tougher after that, but never shied away from getting involved.

George Byers 7

Grafted well in his left-wing role on his league debut and helped link together some nice passages of play during the opening half. Faded as the second half went on but a solid performance and was intelligent in his use of the ball.

Wayne Routledge 6

Has had an awful lot of stick, so deserves praise for a good showing here in an unfamiliar role. Pressed well and brought others into play when given the chance and movement was intelligent. A few wasteful moments but understandable given lack of action.

Dan James 6

Daniel James of Swansea City is tackled by Oghenekaro Etebo of Stoke City.

Will rue his decision to take a touch when set up for a first-time strike by Roberts before the break. His pace was a nuisance for Stoke, might just feel he could have made more of his opportunities.

Subs

Oli McBurnie (On for Byers, 64) 7

Provided a focal presence in attack and Swansea posed far more of a threat once he was on the field, teed up James for Swansea's best chance of an equaliser. Booked for a silly clash with Pieters, but then nearly found the net with superb late volley.

Yan Dhanda (On for Dyer, 64) 6

Like McBurnie he provided impetus from the bench as Swansea sought a response to Allen's goal.

Joel Asoro (On for James, 72) 5

Had a few chances to make a mark but bullied out of it on occasions, although he was lively.