Million Manhoef's brace helped Stoke City end a three-match winless streak with a 3-1 victory over Watford at the bet365 Stadium. The Dutch winger scored either side of halftime, first curling home with his left foot after controlling Milan Smit's pass, then capitalizing on a rebound for his second goal. Sam Gallagher added a late third to seal the win.

Stoke dominated the early stages, with Bae Jun-ho forcing an early block and Steven Nzonzi heading straight at Watford's goalkeeper. Watford gradually worked their way into the game, creating chances through Tom Ince and Imran Louza, but couldn't convert. The visitors pulled one back when substitute Nestory Irankunda unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box in the 81st minute.

The result moves Stoke up to 13th place, only their second win in 12 league outings. Watford drops to 10th, eight points behind Wrexham in the final play-off spot. This marks only the second defeat in six games for new Watford manager Ed Still, who replaced Javi Gracia in February.