Stoke City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at the bet365 Stadium on Sunday, overturning a first-half deficit thanks to two late second-half strikes. The win marked Stoke’s fourth triumph in five Championship matches, highlighting their strong recent form.
Sheffield United took the lead early in the second half through Kalvin Phillips, who scored his first league goal in over five years in the 51st minute. Phillips converted a long-range free kick with precision, catching Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson off guard and giving the visitors hope of a rare away league win this season in front of 1,939 traveling supporters.
However, Stoke responded with determination. In the 78th minute, Jack McGlynn equalized with a powerful left-footed shot that revitalized the home side. The momentum shifted decisively in Stoke’s favor, and substitute Sam Gallagher sealed the comeback in the 86th minute with a spectacular volley after skillfully controlling the ball.
The match began evenly, with Stoke creating early chances but failing to convert. Djibril Soumare, who had space on the edge of the area, shot straight at Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper, who was alert to the attempt. Lamine Cisse, making his 150th career appearance, also had a chance but fired wide. Ben Johnson tested Cooper again with a strong effort from the right flank shortly before halftime.
Sheffield United started the second half with energy. Sydie Peck, recently called up to England’s Under-21 squad, forced a shot over the bar from a promising position. Still, it was Phillips who broke the deadlock, delivering a moment of individual brilliance. Despite Johansson’s experience, the goalkeeper was unable to keep out the well-placed free kick.
Stoke manager Mark Robins praised the quality of his team’s goals and the atmosphere at the stadium. “If those goals don’t deserve to win a football match, then I don’t know what level of quality does,” he said. “The first goal was good, that’s Jack all over. But Sam’s goal, well that’s one of the best goals I’ve ever seen. The support and energy in the stadium was really good.”
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder expressed frustration with the manner in which his team conceded the goals. “To concede two goals like that in one game, well – I don’t think you’ll concede two goals like that again all season. We have to deal with the disappointment,” Wilder commented.
The result extends Stoke’s positive run and leaves Sheffield United reflecting on missed opportunities and costly lapses in the closing stages of the match.