Stoke manager Mark Robins urged his players to finish what has been a troubling season on a high after an impressive victory over QPR eased their relegation fears.
The Potters’ problems can be highlighted by the fact that Robins is their third boss of the campaign, with his task since his appointment in January being to keep them in the Sky Bet Championship.
His players took a step towards achieving this – admittedly against an injury-depleted QPR side who are not safe themselves yet and proved to be obliging opponents for most of proceedings at the bet365 Stadium.
But this should take nothing away from Stoke’s much-improved attacking performance which allowed them to move four points clear of the drop zone.
Robins said: “There are seven (games) left now and I want us to go and win as many games as we possibly can, and it’s there for us.
“It’s about building those performances and not resting on laurels, not looking round at anything else and making sure we focus on us.
“We look at our opponent, our next opponent which is Preston, and we want to go and deliver a really good away performance.
“The most I’m proud of today is the fact that they’ve gone out and put out a really good performance.
“That was a solid performance – for about 65 minutes it was really good.
“We got on top in the game early, we gave them headaches all over the place, particularly down our right-hand side but also down the left-hand side and down the middle.
“There was a focus with (Sam) Gallagher and with Bakes, and then behind that we were really aggressive.”
Stoke were ahead after 21 minutes when Million Manhoef’s pass put Junior Tchamadeu in behind and his low ball into the box was finished well by Bae Jun-ho.
The Potters deservedly doubled their lead when Tchamadeu drilled in his first goal for the club from the edge of the area after QPR goalkeeper Paul Nardi had saved from Manhoef.
The points were effectively in the bag after 54 minutes when Manhoef ran onto Lewis Baker’s through ball, rounded Nardi and rolled into an empty net.
QPR belatedly got going and pulled one back in the 78th minute when substitute Yang Min-hyeok found the bottom corner after being allowed to turn just outside the box.
R’s boss Marti Cifuentes said: “We were 70 minutes late into the game today.
“Poor performance and even though we tried to show some pride, I think it was far too late.
“We were struggling with the way we were pressing high, something we have done quite well this season.
“They played through us, which is the main principle – to not let the opposition play through us – and they scored two goals in a similar situation.
“Then in the second half we spoke about having a strong reaction, making sure we could score a goal, get into the game, put pressure, and we concede a third goal that is as poor as the first two.
“I would have made 11 (half-time substitutions) if I could have done it, I was not happy and this is on me.
“I think that some of the players who came from the bench helped us to get a little bit better, but the start was not very high.”
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