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.”
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