Stoke City's comeback win over Sheffield United produces a goal of the season contender
Stoke City fought back to beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship, with Sam Gallagher's winner hailed as a contender for goal of the season. The result extended Stoke's unbeaten run to five games.
Comeback win at home
In an English Championship match, Stoke City came from behind to beat Sheffield United 2-1, according to the BBC. The game was played at the bet365 Stadium, preceded by a minute's applause, with players from both sides wearing black armbands in tribute to former Stoke City forward Harry Burrows, who died in September at the age of 85.
Both sides created chances in a goalless first half: Sheffield United's Liam Kitching headed narrowly wide, while Stoke goalkeeper Michael Cooper was tested by a Djibril Soumare shot from outside the box. A heavy touch from Patrick Bamford let the ball run into Cooper's grasp on the visitors' clearest chance, while Stoke's Lamine Cisse and Ben Johnson both failed to hit the target.
Sheffield United took the lead early in the second half through Kalvin Phillips, who scored his first goal since returning to the club on a second loan spell from Manchester City, bending a free-kick around the one-man wall and into the bottom corner. Stoke levelled through McGlynn, who struck from 30 yards after being given time and space. After Sydie Peck wasted a good chance at the other end, Sam Gallagher scored the winner for the hosts — a goal the BBC described as worthy of contention for the Championship's goal of the season.
Context and fallout
The win extended Stoke City's unbeaten run to five matches, while Sheffield United suffered a third consecutive defeat in all competitions. As reported by Yahoo Sports, former Stoke defender Ian Cranson said the club's greater squad depth is helping the team maintain its strong start to the season, while Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder warned after the defeat that his side needs to deal with growing negativity.
