Mark Robins was full of praise for goalkeeper Viktor Johansson after two brilliant saves coupled with Ali Al-Hamadi’s goal earned Stoke a massive 1-0 Championship win over Blackburn.
Iraq striker Al-Hamadi scored after 19 minutes before the Sweden keeper made stunning stops from Todd Cantwell and Joe Rankin-Costello – the second in stoppage time.
Johansson had conceded three times in Saturday’s defeat to Robins’ former club Coventry, but his heroics against Blackburn helped move the Potters four points clear of the relegation zone.
“It was in but he got there and clawed it out,” said grateful Stoke boss Robins of Johansson’s last-gasp stop.
“He was really good. His handling was good, his communication was good as usual and his kicking was really decent.
“He is a top goalkeeper. We had a conversation because Coventry had three shots on Saturday and we conceded three goals.
“Tonight, he has kept a clean sheet. That’s the response you want from your keeper.”
After only Stoke’s third win in 12 league games since he took charge, Robins added: “I am nit-picking but I want more.
“I am delighted with the three points, delighted with the clean sheet and delighted with the performances of everyone.
“But when we have the game by the scruff of the neck, don’t turn down opportunities to play forward and don’t turn chances down to shoot. That’s what we live for.
“I am pleased with the result but there is so much more in there.”
Johansson produced his first save to keep out Cantwell’s low shot after 25 minutes.
His second, in the third of 10 minutes of added time, denied substitute Rankin-Costello an equaliser.
Rovers boss Valerien Ismael remains winless in his three games since replacing John Eustace and they now lie four points off the play-off places.
“It’s all about more belief in yourself,” Eustace said.
“You must make sure when you start the game you are ready to go.
“Last season, Rovers were in a bad situation with more pressure with the position in the league and people working for the club worrying about their jobs. Now, we are competing for something positive.
“They need to enjoy and start the game like how we finished the first half and in the second half.
“If you don’t have the confidence before you start the game I don’t know when you will have it.”
Rovers have lost back-to-back games against relegation-threatened side – following Saturday’s loss to Derby – but Ismael dismissed suggestions they were fixtures Rovers should have won.
“It is disrespectful against the teams who are battling,” he said. “This is the Championship. It is not an easy road.
“You have to fight and earn your points. Your position in the table doesn’t mean anything in the Championship.
“Everything you do, you have to do it right. If you don’t you get punished.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga