Stoke City 3-1 Watford: Million Manhoef’s brace helps Potters to victory

Million Manhoef’s brace helped Stoke return to winning ways with a comfortable victory at home to Watford.

Manhoef opened the scoring in the 28th minute, finishing calmly after Milan Smit teed him up perfectly.

The winger doubled Stoke’s lead in the second half, firing a powerful effort past keeper Egil Selvik following a counter-attack.

Nestory Irankunda briefly gave Watford hope with a fierce strike from the right, but Sam Gallagher sealed Stoke’s win soon afterwards with a composed late finish.

Watford boss Ed Still called their midweek draw at already relegated Sheffield Wednesday a “really disappointing” result – and his side failed to make amends for Tuesday’s performance.

In the opening 10 minutes, Stoke had more than 90% possession, but before Manhoef’s first goal, Tom Ince had two big chances to give the visitors the lead, firing straight at Selvik on both occasions.

Manhoef had already created problems for Watford on the flank before his craftmanship was rewarded when he nestled the ball into the top left of the net following a nice touch from fellow forward Smit.

After the break, Watford had a series of corners and Manchester City loanee Stephen Mfuni came closest to scoring, sending a free header wide just before the hour mark.

Manhoef’s second arrived at a critical time, in the 77th minute, and was a gut punch for Watford, who had territory high up the pitch in the build-up.

Tomas Rigo found the Dutchman on the right side of the box and Manhoef drove a right-footed finish beyond Selvik, who saved his initial effort.

Irankunda responded on 81 minutes for the Hornets, producing a fine solo dribble and sending a thunderous strike into the top corner to reduce the deficit.

But Gallagher restored Stoke’s two-goal cushion just four minutes later, cutting inside his marker before firing into the far corner to seals the Potters’ first win in four matches.