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Stoke secure victory at Blackburn with Viktor Johansson as standout performer

Stoke secure victory at Blackburn with Viktor Johansson as standout performer

Stoke City's goalkeeper Viktor Johansson put on a stellar performance in their 2-0 victory over Blackburn, ending their winless streak on the road.

Stoke had struggled in their previous four away games without a win or a goal, but managed to withstand pressure from Blackburn in the first half before Million Manhoef opened the scoring just before the hour mark.

Johansson made crucial saves to deny Blackburn, who failed to find the back of the net for the fourth consecutive game, as Tom Cannon secured the win with a late penalty in the 85th minute.

The victory lifted Stoke to 14th place in the table, just one point behind Blackburn, who dropped to 10th position amidst disappointment from the home fans.

Blackburn dominated the first half of the game and missed several opportunities to score, with Wouter Burger and Johansson denying their best chances.

Stoke's appeals for a penalty were waved off, but they almost took the lead against the run of play before the break, with Manhoef's shot saved by Aynsley Pears.

The second half saw Stoke become more threatening, as Manhoef scored the opener in the 57th minute with a well-placed shot past Pears.

Despite Blackburn's efforts to equalize, Johansson's heroics kept Stoke in the lead, making crucial saves to deny their opponents.

A late penalty sealed the win for Stoke after Danny Batth fouled Bae Jun-ho in the box, allowing Cannon to convert from the spot.