Stoke City player ratings vs Sheffield Wednesday with star cameo as Potters hit landmark

Stoke City have taken a giant step towards Championship safety with a well-deserved 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in front of a bumper home crowd.

 

Stoke put themselves in control when they belted down the left through Jordan Thompson and Bae Junho to work the ball across for Million Manhoef to tap in at the back post.

 

Thompson, who had made a superb cameo appearance, was stretchered off with his ankle in a brace before Stoke made it two in comical fashion.

 

Wednesday keeper Pierce Charles tried to take a quick kick downfield but only succeeded in smacking it into the back of Ben Wilmot and seeing the ball bounce behind him into the net, sparking perhaps the most chortle-filled celebration ever seen in this stadium

 

The crowd was 29,163, the highest attendance here since Stoke’s final home match in the Premier League back in 2018, and Mark Robins had wanted to put on a show that would get fans wanting to return for more. He probably hadn’t banked on offering comedy as part of entertainment.

 

The result is hugely significant. Stoke, winning back to back games for only the second time this season, are now seven points clear of the bottom three with three matches left to play. They have reached the 50-point landmark and can sleep a little easier.

 

Robins was forced into a change in the 13th minute when Eric Bocat limped off after what seemed an innocuous collision. He looked devastated as physios confirmed he couldn’t carry on and had to be consoled by Tchamadeu on his way off.

 

Bocat’s replacement Thompson had an immediate impact, showing little seen speed in his first run down the wing to link with Bae Junho. That came to nothing but he was soon at it again, bursting forward to find Junho and then finding another gear to get into the area for the return. His slide to touch it goalward diverted it to the far post into the path of Manhoef for an easy finish.

 

Gallagher had visions of quickly making it two. He left defenders in his wake as he bolted down the left wing before cutting inside onto his right foot and see the goal open up for him, leaning back and hitting a shot into the stand.

 

Manhoef was picked out with a long pass by Ben Wilmot to drift in from by the right corner flag and hit an outswinging shot which caught out Dominic Iorfa, who stuck out a leg and deflected it onto the crossbar, rebounding fortunately for the visitors to clear.

 

Thompson was flying down the left again at the start of the second half but he fizzed in one cross before collapsing – and needing the stretcher to be carried off. Stoke fans were singing his name as he was taken around the pitch and down the tunnel.

 

The break in play sparked Wednesday into life and Callum Paterson had a header bounce over before Phillips needed an emergency tackle on Gassama.

 

But what followed was a goalkeeping calamity from Charles. Stoke had piled forward for a Tchamadeu throw, which the keeper grabbed and tried to boot quickly down the field. In his hurry, he launched it straight into the back of Wilmot and it ricocheted into the net. Wednesday players were furious and chased Martin down the pitch claiming Wilmot, who had his back to play, was unfairly jumping but the rest of the packed stadium was in fits of hysterics.

 

Wednesday might have made it interesting if Michael Smith’s shot, which hit the post when a Barry Bannan cross bounced in his favour, had sneaked in – but even the rebound went Stoke’s way on this afternoon.

 

Here are the player ratings from the bet365 Stadium:

Johansson: Hardly had a shot to save. Kept himself busy as well as being a presence at set pieces when needed. 7

 

Tchamadeu: Keen to be involved, including with his throw-in, one of which led to Stoke’s second. 7.5

 

Bocat: Looked distraught when his afternoon was ended early due to injury. 6

 

Phillips: Made a nuisance of himself in the opposition area and was unlucky with deft early header. Looked like he was playing through pain at times but another big performance. Vital block on Gassama. 8.5

 

Wilmot: Super long pass to find Manhoef for chance that rattled crossbar. Right place at right time to take advantage of hilarious goalkeeping. 8.5

 

Pearson: In the book for second minute lunge and not always able to control his urge to jump in again. But helped Stoke control midfield for large parts. 7

 

Burger: Has found his best form over the last few weeks and has been able to work himself into the thick of things each game. 8

 

Baker: A man reborn at Stoke under Robins. Put in a shift at the attacking tip of midfield. 7

 

Manhoef: Took his goal well by making space for easy finish. Unlucky bending shot didn’t deflect in too. 8

 

Junho: Enjoyed partnership with Thompson and set up opener for Manhoef. Bursts of skill that can help turn games. 8

 

Gallagher: Unlucky with a couple of offside calls when he had got in behind defence. Barrelling run down the left before wayward shot. Kept battling with head bandaged. 8

Substitutes

Thompson (for Bocat, 13): Superb introduction at left-back as he linked up with Junho in show of skill and urgency. Superb. Ovation as he was carried off on stretcher. 9

Gooch (for Thompson, 52): Emergency call as third left-back off the rank. Put himself about and was willing to get stuck in. 7.5

Al-Hamadi (for Gallagher, 90): Big header out from underneath his own crossbar at late corner. 7

Lawal (for Baker, 90): Added fresh energy in midfield when summoned for nine minutes of added time, with strength to keep ball in corner. 7

Not used: Bonham, Koumas, Seko, Moran, Wilson-Esbrand.

Referee: Stephen Martin (Stafford)

4

Match rating: 7.5

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