Stoke returned to winning ways with a 3-1 home victory over Watford, with Million Manhoef scoring either side of half-time and Sam Gallagher sealing the result after Nestory Irankunda had briefly reignited the contest. It was Stoke's first win in four matches and one built on a blend of early control, sharp finishing and a decisive response whenever Watford threatened to shift the momentum.
Watford, though, had enough chances to tell a different story. Tom Ince, Imran Louza and Stephen Mfuni all went close in key moments, and Ed Still's side will look back on the openings they failed to convert before Manhoef's quality made the difference. By the end, Stoke had climbed to 13th, while Watford slipped to 10th and remained eight points behind the final play-off place.
An assertive start met by Watford warnings
The opening belonged largely to Stoke. According to the BBC account, the hosts had more than 90 per cent possession in the first 10 minutes, and their intent was clear through Bae Jun-ho, whose goalbound effort was blocked. Sorba Thomas then delivered a corner that Steven Nzonzi headed straight at Egil Selvik, while Manhoef was already finding room and causing problems down the flank.