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Stoke Humble United, As Solskjaer Wins First Game At Cardif

Stoke City enjoyed a first league win overManchester United since Boxing Day 1984 after Charlie Adam’s double clinched a 2-1 victory at the Britannia Stadium.

Former United striker Mark Hughes’ side took the lead in fortunate fashion on 38 minutes when Adam’s long-range free-kick deflected off Michael Carrick and wrong-footed United keeper David de Gea.

Moments later, United lost a second centre-half as Phil Jones joined Jonny Evans in being forced off through injury.

But United responded positively to equalise two minutes after half-time when record signing Juan Mata played in Robin van Persie and the Dutch striker lifted a fine shot beyond Asmir Begovic.

Stoke, though, were back in front five minutes later when Marko Arnautovic failed to connect with Jon Walters’ knock-down and the ball was arrowed into the top corner by Adam from 25 yards.

The champions almost snatched a late equaliser, but Begovic produced a wonderful save to tip Wayne Rooney’s free-kick against the post.

Elsewhere, Sunderland enjoyed a second successive 3-0 win at St James’ Park to condemnNewcastle United to a fourth consecutive home defeat.

Gus Poyet’s side went ahead with 19 minutes gone when Phil Bardsley went down under Vurnon Anita’s clumsy challenge inside the box and Fabio Borini smashed the penalty high into the net.

The lead was doubled just four minutes later when Tim Krul clawed Jack Colback’s deflected shot away, but Adam Johnson was on hand to tap home with the keeper berating full-back Davide Santon afterwards.

And Sunderland celebrated a third goal with 10 minutes remaining when Colback exchanged passes with Borini before rifling a shot in to the top corner.

Cardiff climbed off the bottom of the table after a quick-fire double early in the second half secured a vital 2-1 home success over Norwich City, and Solskjaer’s first as a manager in the top flight.

Norwich took a fifth-minute lead in south Wales as Martin Olsson found space on the left and his low cross deflected into the path of Robert Snodgrass to score.

New loan signing Wilfried Zaha was brought on as a first-half substitute and set up the equaliser on 49 minutes as he played in Craig Bellamy for a scruffy finish.

Just two minutes later and Cardiff were in front as another new signing – Kenwyne Jones – finished at the second attempt after his initial header had been blocked.