Sheffield United returned to winning ways this afternoon as they beat Stoke City 2-0 at Bramall Lane. The Blades went into the game on the back of defeats to Leeds United and Middlesbrough but were good value for their latest three points, which could have arrived with an ever greater margin.
Kieffer Moore and former Stoke man Tyrese Campbell got the goals in either half, while visiting goalkeeper Viktor Johansson - the former Rotherham United man who was a target of the Blades previously - made a number of fine saves, denying Vini Souza two stunning goals alone. On an afternoon that United paid tribute to George Baldock, victory was theirs.
Here’s how we rated the Blades’ players in front of almost 29,000 at Bramall Lane...
1. Michael Cooper 7
A couple of routine saves, including one that looked like he was picking cherries as Manhoef's effort floated towards his top corner, but then a hairy moment when his loose pass out was seized upon by Stoke in a dangerous situation. But Cooper redeemed himself excellently with a smart save down to his left to keep out Koumas' effort and keep a welcome clean sheet after the last couple of games | Getty Images
2. Alfie Gilchrist 6
Picked up an unlikely assist as his shot was diverted into the corner by Moore and was defensively as solid as ever down the right, at least until he was caught in possession late on shortly before making way for Shackleton Photo: Simon Bellis
3. Harry Souttar 7
Back to his commanding best after a difficult couple of evenings for the collective on the road in the last two. Sprayed the ball beautifully to Gilchrist, headed everything that came within his postcode and a brilliantly-timed tackle on Koumas earned a roar of approval from the home sides of Bramall Lane. A player of real class | Sportimage
4. Anel Ahmedhodzic 7
Looked like he barely broke sweat all afternoon - not in terms of his workrate but his class as he helped completely nullify the dangerous Cannon, who went off at half-time with just six touches to his name. But this was his last game until Bristol City, as he picked up his fifth booking of the season which will rule him out of Blackburn. It seemed a tad harsh, being his first transgression of the game, but at least the suspension threat is out of the way for the derby now | Sportimage