Steven Fletcher’s winner ends Stoke’s 11 game winless run in all competitions

Embed from Getty Images

Steven Fletcher bagged an 83rd-minute winner against his former club Sheffield Wednesday to lift Michael O’Neill’s side up to eighth in the Championship and four points adrift the final Play-Off spot.

The 33-year-old striker, who spent four years at Hillsborough from 2016 to 2020, latched onto Harry Souttar’s header inside the six-yard box and poked home to give the Potters a deserved lead on the night.

Michael O’Neill was delighted with the Scotsman, as he told the club post-game:

“For Fletch it’s always nice to score against your old team. Steven’s had two goals disallowed in recent games which were very narrow offside decisions, so I think he’s looked like scoring – particularly now he looks as fit as he’s been and I think we’re starting to see the best of him.”

After Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Carrow Road to league leaders Norwich, the Northern Irishman made five changes to his starting lineup – most notably switching up the midfield and bringing in Jordan Thompson alongside Joe Allen in place of captain John Obi Mikel.

Thompson impressed on the occasion, creating one big chance and should certainly be on the front of the manager’s mind for a start against Luton Town at the weekend.

The hosts once again struggled with their clinical touch in front of goal, missing three big chances against the relegation-threatened visitors.

Nick Powell started in the number ten position on Tuesday night and enjoyed the freedom behind the striker. The former Manchester United man should’ve found himself on the scoresheet in the second half, as he fired a close-range effort straight at Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

Jacob Brown made his second consecutive start and proved himself as one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the side. The right-winger battled hard all night long and always looked capable of creating a chance when bursting forward.

Brown’s electric pace and ability to get in behind defenders and cause problems is an asset that Stoke have lacked so far this season –  and if the winger can consistently provide that menace, it could turn out to be advantageous.

Central defender Danny Batth entered the lineup ahead of James Chester and didn’t put a foot wrong. The Englishman won ten aerial duels against Neil Thompson’s men – the third occasion this season a City defender has won at least ten in a game.

Harry Souttar, quickly becoming a fan’s favourite in Staffordshire, had yet another quality performance at the back. After signing a new four-year contract, the Scotland-born defender has repaid his faith in the club already.

Souttar’s passing range is undeniably remarkable, and Michael O’Neill believes he has all the attributes to reach the top level.

“Harry has all the attributes to go to the top level of the game and our responsibility as coaches and managers is to help him do that. If we do that, it’s going to, in turn, help us as a club. Certainly we see him as an important player in the future of Stoke City.”

The Stoke defence did their job as well as they could throughout the showdown, preventing Wednesday from creating a single big chance. The Owls remain in the relegation zone and one point from safety following the defeat.

Stoke remain at the Bet365 Stadium this weekend to face Luton Town, whilst Wednesday host fellow relegation battlers Birmingham City on Saturday.