Stoke City boss delivers Sheffield United 'best in the league' verdict after dramatic win

Stoke City boss Mark Robins believes Sheffield United have enough quality to turn their fortunes around despite the growing negativity around Chris Wilder's side.

Robins came away from Saturday's game, which was settled in his side’s favour by two stunning late goals, impressed by the Blades' approach and believing that their squad contains some of the best players in the Championship, singling out Sydie Peck and Kalvin Phillips for particular praise.

The Stoke boss felt the fixture was always going to be a test for his side, even given their blank midweek while United played on Wednesday night, and admitted Wilder's team made it difficult by trying to slow the game down.

“They've got really good players,” Robins said. “Sydie Peck in there is one of the best midfield players in the division, no doubt.

“They've got plenty of quality in the team, former England international Kalvin Phillips, and they tried to slow things down, like you would. Tried to make the game not flow.

“Sometimes you get that. The wind played a part as well, so it became a little bit difficult, and we didn't really have any major control over it.”

United took the lead through Phillips after the break and, despite Stoke having struggled to create much, Robins praised the response from his own side as the atmosphere inside the bet365 Stadium changed.

Jack McGlynn scored a screamer to drag his side level before it was quickly eclipsed by a fine touch and finish from Sam Gallagher, despite suspicions of offside.

“Then you go a goal behind in the second half, which was unusual for us to concede that type of goal, but I think the response, the reaction in the stadium, the noise in the stadium grew,” he said.

“We started to ask questions and made some changes, and then the energy levels went up and the intensity was up. We managed to get a brilliant equaliser with Jack, and then it was one of the best goals I've ever seen [from Gallagher].

“It is one of the best goals I've ever seen.

“Just the sheer movement, the power, the venom, the brute force that he showed, but the quality that he showed was brilliant. If those two goals can't win a football match, I really don't get it. I've never seen it.”

And when asked about the pressure currently building around Wilder and United, Robins was unequivocal in his assessment. “It's not my problem, I'm afraid,” he said. “But I think they're a good team.

“I think they're a good team. I think they've got threats, they've got good players, they've got a really good manager, and somebody who I really respect greatly. Yes, that's my take on it.”