'Nothing to do with our quality' - Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder left to rue Stoke City stunners
Chris Wilder has reflected on his Sheffield United side’s 2-1 loss to Stoke City
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was left to rue the stunning nature of two Stoke City goals after his side’s 2-1 defeat to the Potters.
Kalvin Phillips scored his first Sheffield United goal to put the Blades ahead - and on course for a much-needed win.
However, Jack McGlynn and Sam Gallagher hit back in stylish fashion to give the hosts three points.
Chris Wilder’s reaction
Wilder said: “It was a tough one to take for us all. Unfortunately fine margins decide games, but I can’t fault the players because they put everything out there.
“We got our noses in front but they find two wonder goals which decided the game for them. When two players whack in goals from 30 yards then it’s nothing to do with our quality.
“It was a tight game, but we could have quite easily been sat here with six points from the last two games, but two wonder goals have decided it.
“To concede two goals like that one in game, well I don’t think you’ll concede two goals like that again all season.
“We have to deal with the disappointment, but the Championship is difficult, there’s no getting around that.
“But it quickly changes and now we’ve got the international break to get some players back and to improve on things.
“The players are super tight and I’m super tight with them. They’re really disappointed we’ve not got a result, but you’ve got to get through tough times like this. That’s what professional football is all about.”
Mark Robins reflects
Wilder’s opposite number Mark Robins, meanwhile, was left purring over the McGlynn and Gallagher efforts.
He said: “If those goals don’t deserve to win a football match, then I don’t know what level of quality does.
“That’s testament to Sam Gallagher. For him to have worked to keep coming back from injury and disappointment, well that is just a demonstration of sheer brute force and quality that gets you a winning goal in what was a really tight game.
“The first goal was good enough, that’s Jack all over. But Sam’s goal, well that’s one of the best goals I’ve ever seen.”