Ethan Galbraith’s deflected first-half strike secured Stoke’s first Championship victory of the season, as they edged out Norwich.
Galbraith, a £10m summer signing from Swansea, hit a crisp first-time strike from outside the box which clipped the foot of Canaries defender Jack Stacey and flew into the far bottom corner.
Norwich had chances before the break to level, with Andre Brooks denied by Stoke keeper Viktor Johansson.
They also applied pressure in the closing stages, but a superb Stoke defence kept them at bay.
The victory not only lifted Mark Robins’ side off the bottom of the fledgling Championship table, but a gutsy performance also demonstrated their resilience and togetherness in the absence of star man Sorba Thomas.
The Wales winger, who scored 10 goals in the Championship last season, has moved to Hull City.
The Potters started sluggishly but on 13 minutes found the source of inspiration that would win them the game.
A low cross from the left by Eric Bocat was deflected out to Galbraith, who stepped up to the loose ball and found the net via Stacey.
A sometimes tetchy game was largely dominated by Norwich and twice the outstanding Johansson denied Brooks with his legs.
But Stoke had chances to settle matters, with George Hirst prevented from scoring by a superb block from Ruairi McConville, and deadline-day signing Luca Bombino seeing a shot tipped over.
Norwich camped themselves in the Stoke half for the final 15 minutes but could not carve out a clear chance as the home defence dug deep and ended a nine-match winless league run dating back to April.
Stoke next host Charlton on Saturday (12:30 BST), while Norwich travel to Sheffield United (15:00 BST).