Sheffield United ended the weekend with a well-deserved win over a battling Stoke City at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.
Stoke’s undefeated run came to an end after goals from Kieffer Moore and Tyrese Campbell secured three points for The Blades.
Both teams and fans paid an emotional tribute ahead of the fixture to honour former Sheffield United defender, George Baldock, after his passing earlier this month.
For you, George ⭐️❤️ pic.twitter.com/Xgj9eZFIaf
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 26, 2024
Following their second league defeat of the season against Middlesbrough on Wednesday, Sheffield United looked to regain composure and continue their winning streak at Bramall Lane, having won their last four home league games without conceding. The Blades determined to make it five a row.
The head-to-head record favoured Sheffield United having won each of its last four league games against Stoke City. Their last meeting in January 2023 saw a 3-1 victory to Sheffield United.
The energy was high as Stoke City kicked off in sunny conditions at Bramall Lane. The stadium filled with applause during the second minute of the game to honour Baldock’s life, as a huge banner travelled through the stands organised by the fans.
Sheffield United were soon into their attacking groove, and the first chance fell for Tyrese Campbell as his corner kick towards goal was plucked out the air by Stoke’s goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.
The Blades were first to strike as Captain Oliver Arblaster’s free-kick delivery was headed goal wards but initially blocked by Stoke’s defence. Kieffer Moore blasted the loose ball into the far left corner from close-range to make it 1-0 after 13 minutes of play.
Kieffer on target 🎯 pic.twitter.com/zVnGHKXwQi
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 26, 2024
Another chance soon came for The Blades, and a sensational strike by Vini Souza from 40 yards out was punched away by Johansson as Stoke City’s defence scrambled to get back.
Sheffield United came out firing in the second half, and a sloppy mistake from Stoke’s defence allowed for a lovely interchange between Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Campbell in front of the visitor’s goal. The forward made no mistake and chipped the ball in from close-range to extend Sheffield’s lead to 2-0.
United stayed on the attack and Souza produced an absolute screamer from the left wing which required another flying save from Stoke City’s goalie Johansson.
The Potters responded with quick play which saw a chance for Lewis Koumas to kick for goal but a low dive from Sheffield’s goalkeeper Michael Cooper denied them the breakthrough.
Stoke City threatened at times but any chance of a comeback was quickly squashed by the home side. Chances came and went but once again The Blades showed their experience and saw the game out.
Chris Wilder on an emotional Bramall Lane afternoon. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/vGHkzaoCxF
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 26, 2024
After the match Sheffield United’s manager, Chris Wilder, said he was delighted with the performance on such a poignant day, saying the players have shown incredible personality.
He said: “It’s been the toughest two weeks personally from my time being in football since I was 16. George’s passing has had an immense impact on all our players and staff.
“We needed to get that performance right, and I believe we did.”
The newly appointed Stoke City manager, Narcis Pelach, said: “We knew it was going to be tough test. You have to take your moments in the game, we didn’t do that. They were better than us.”
The focus now moves to more Championship action on Saturday 2nd November against Blackburn Rovers, and the highly anticipated Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday on the 10th.
Full time: Blades 2-0 Stoke City
