Viktor Johansson Stars as Stoke Win at Blackburn
Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Stoke City
Viktor Johansson made several key saves to help Stoke City secure a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday.
The Swedish goalkeeper was in inspired form, denying the hosts on numerous occasions, including a stunning stop to keep out a Sam Gallagher header in the second half.
Stoke took the lead in the 20th minute when Jacob Brown fired home from close range after being set up by Tyrese Campbell.
The visitors could have extended their lead before the break, but Campbell and Brown both missed good chances.
Blackburn came out fighting in the second half and pushed Stoke back into their own half.
However, Johansson was equal to everything that Blackburn threw at him, and Stoke held on to claim all three points.
The win moves Stoke up to 15th in the Championship table, while Blackburn remain in 22nd place.
Match Highlights
- Viktor Johansson made several key saves to help Stoke City secure a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday.
- Jacob Brown fired home from close range after being set up by Tyrese Campbell to give Stoke the lead in the 20th minute.
- Blackburn came out fighting in the second half and pushed Stoke back into their own half, but Johansson was equal to everything that they threw at him.
- The win moves Stoke up to 15th in the Championship table, while Blackburn remain in 22nd place.
Reaction
Stoke City manager Alex Neil was delighted with his team's performance.
"I thought we were excellent today," he said. "We defended well, we created chances, and we took our goal well.
"Viktor Johansson was outstanding in goal. He made some great saves, and he kept us in the game.
"I'm really pleased with the three points. It's a great way to start the season."
Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson was disappointed with the result, but he praised his team's effort.
"I thought we played well today," he said. "We created chances, but we couldn't take them.
"Stoke defended well, and they made it difficult for us to break them down.
"We're disappointed with the result, but we'll learn from this and move on."
