Luke Graham's header gave Stoke City a 1-0 win at Derby County on Saturday, a result that lifts the Potters into the Championship's top six. The defender scored in the 49th minute at Pride Park Stadium, converting a cross from Ethan Galbraith to decide a tight contest.
Derby were reduced to ten men during the game, which added to a difficult afternoon for the hosts. Their manager, John Eustace, told reporters he was pleased with his players' effort despite the defeat. "The effort and attitude of the players were outstanding despite difficulties," Eustace said. He acknowledged recent struggles but called for his squad to stick together, believing their luck will turn later in the season.
For Stoke, the victory continues an impressive run of form, with four wins in their last five league matches. They now sit sixth in the standings with 19 points from 11 games. The win at Derby follows a 2-3 home loss to Middlesbrough and a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United, showing the team's resilience. This recent form of four wins and one loss in the last five games has been key to their climb, with the sequence including a 2-1 win at Bolton and a 2-1 victory at Watford prior to the Sheffield United match, and a 1-1 draw at Cardiff before that. The team has scored 18 goals and conceded 16 across the season so far.
Alex Mowatt missed the trip to Pride Park due to a foot injury sustained in midweek. His absence was managed by a squad that has now kept a clean sheet on the road. Stoke will look to maintain their momentum and stays in the play-off places. Their next opportunity comes on Saturday 24 October when they host Bristol City at home, aiming to build on a record of six wins, one draw, and four losses from their opening 11 fixtures.
The victory, Stoke's fourth in five league games, was sealed by a deflected header. Luke Graham's 49th-minute winner took a deflection past Derby goalkeeper Josh Vickers. Derby's misery deepened with a fresh injury to Lewis Travis, who limped off in his first start since August. The Rams' John Eustace is under growing pressure, with the result leaving his side in the bottom three after just one win in 11 games.
Mark Robins hailed captain Viktor Johansson as the best goalkeeper in the Championship after his late save secured the 1-0 win at Derby. Robins said, "He’s outstanding. There is no one better in this division." The manager also revealed a key half-time tactical change, sending on George Hirst for Jack McGlynn to go two up front, which he felt directly led to Luke Graham's winner. The victory, Stoke's fourth in five games, keeps the side sixth with 19 points.
