Sheffield United's search for a second away league win this season was frustrated by a late Stoke City comeback, losing 2-1 at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday. Sam Gallagher's spectacular 86th-minute strike completed the turnaround after Jack McGlynn had cancelled out Kalvin Phillips' opener.
Phillips had given the Blades the lead six minutes after the restart, scoring his first league goal in over five years. The visitors could not hold on, however, as McGlynn levelled with his second goal in as many games before Gallagher's decisive intervention. The result means United have now lost their last two matches, a sequence that follows three consecutive victories.
How the game turned
Chris Wilder's side had looked set to build on their recent good form after Phillips' landmark goal. The midfielder's finish from inside the area broke the deadlock and seemed to put United on course for a valuable three points on the road. Stoke responded strongly, with McGlynn firing home from Junior Tchamadeu's pass to make it 1-1 with just over ten minutes remaining.
The decisive moment came four minutes from time. Ethan Galbraith found Gallagher on the edge of the box, and the striker unleashed a first-time effort that flew into the top corner, leaving the 1,939 travelling Blades supporters stunned. Stoke manager Mark Robins hailed the quality of the goals. "If those goals don't deserve to win a game of football, I don't know what does," he said.
For United, it was a case of fine margins. The defeat leaves the Blades with a record of three wins and two losses from their last five Championship fixtures, a run you can review on our standings page.
Lamine Cisse marked his 150th career appearance in the match, but it was a day of frustration for the team. They must now regroup during the international break before returning to action at Bramall Lane. The break offers a chance to assess the squad, with the full list of players available on our squad page.
First reported at skysports.com
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder faced criticism from supporters after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Stoke City. One fan, Dave, told reporters, "Wilder has passed his sell-by date." The loss was United's second consecutive defeat, following a 1-0 loss to Fleetwood Town on September 16. The club's recent form across its last five matches is three wins and two losses.
