Sheffield United lose to Stoke City in comeback defeat
Kalvin Phillips, initially gave Blades the lead with his first league goal since 2021.
Sheffield United fell to a 2-1 defeat against Stoke City as two second-half goals turned the match at the bet365 Stadium.
Kalvin Phillips, on loan from Manchester City, initially gave Blades the lead with a goal in the 51st minute, marking his first league goal since 2021.
However, Stoke City responded with goals from Jack McGlynn and substitute Sam Gallagher, both within 11 minutes, to snatch victory.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder expressed frustration over his team's inability to hold their advantage:
“It was a tough one to take for us all. Unfortunately, fine margins decide games, but I can’t fault the players because they put everything out there. We got our noses in front but they find two wonder goals which decided the game for them."
He added:
“To concede two goals like that one in game, well I don’t think you’ll concede two goals like that again all season. We have to deal with the disappointment, but the Championship is difficult, there’s no getting around that. But it quickly changes and now we’ve got the international break to get some players back and to improve on things."
Despite the loss, Wilder expressed confidence in his squad's resilience:
“The players are super tight and I’m super tight with them. They’re really disappointed we’ve not got a result, but you’ve got to get through tough times like this. That’s what professional football is all about.”
Sheffield United will look to regroup during the international break before resuming their Championship campaign.