Kalvin Phillips admitted Sheffield United's confidence has taken a hit after they let a lead slip to lose 2-1 at Stoke City on Saturday. The result, secured by late goals from Jack McGlynn and Sam Gallagher, lifts Stoke to seventh in the Championship with 13 points from eight games.
Phillips had put the visitors ahead just after half-time, but his goal was overturned by a strong finish from the Potters.
Stoke's unbeaten run now stretches to five matches, a sequence that includes four wins and a draw. They showed resilience to fight back after Phillips' 51st-minute strike, with McGlynn levelling in the 78th minute after good work from Junior Tchamadeu. The winner came eight minutes later when Sam Gallagher headed in Ethan Galbraith's cross.
The victory continues an impressive start to the season under manager Steven Schumacher, whose side have scored 13 goals while conceding 12. They now sit just four points behind early leaders Swansea City.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, are left searching for answers after a third defeat in their last four outings. Phillips' frank assessment highlighted the mood in their camp.
For Stoke, the focus shifts to maintaining this momentum. Their next challenge is a trip to face 15th-placed Bolton Wanderers on October 10. Check the full schedule on our fixtures list. Gallagher's winner was his second of the campaign, while provider Galbraith remains the club's top scorer this season with three goals.
The original report is at thestar.co.uk
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder attributed the defeat to the quality of Stoke's goals. He said, "When two players whack in goals from 30 yards then it's nothing to do with our quality." Stoke's winning run now stands at two games, part of a five-match unbeaten sequence. Their manager Mark Robins praised the strikes, calling Sam Gallagher's winner "one of the best goals I've ever seen." Stoke, seventh with 13 points, are four points off the top.
