Manchester City narrowed the gap between them and league leaders Liverpool with a 2-0 triumph over Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon.
Rodri broke the deadlock for the hosts just 14 minutes into the game, but City couldn’t extend their lead in the first half. Nevertheless, Sheffield United’s resistance lasted only until the hour mark when Julian Alvarez secured the second goal, sealing all three points for City.
The outcome levels Man City with Arsenal in points before the Gunners’ upcoming clash with Fulham on New Year’s Eve, positioning them just two points behind Liverpool.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
In the early stages, it was unsurprisingly Manchester City dominating proceedings, with Phil Foden’s clever flick setting up Alvarez for the first shot of the game within two minutes. Despite occasional advances from Sheffield United, the newly crowned world champions took the lead with less than a quarter of an hour played.
Manuel Akanji delivered a pass to Foden, whose touch set up Rodri. The holding midfielder skillfully chipped it over a defender’s outstretched leg before poking it beyond Wes Foderingham from the edge of the area, marking his fourth league goal of the season.
City continued their ball possession dominance, but Bernardo Silva’s attempt from a tight angle was the closest they came to doubling their lead in the first half.
Sheffield United had opportunities to level before halftime. William Osula missed a great chance following Jayden Bogle’s excellent cross, and the Dane’s header was comfortably saved from the ensuing corner. Bogle himself tested Ederson with a left-footed effort just before the break.
City resumed their territorial control in the second half, with Foden nearly securing an early second goal. Although he was sent through on goal, he couldn’t round goalkeeper Foderingham, but Alvarez made amends for a previous miss by tapping home from Foden’s precise delivery across the face of the goal. Substitute Oscar Bobb contributed to the second goal with a well-placed pass, making it clear that, with an hour played, the game was slipping out of Sheffield United’s reach.
City’s Argentine forward came close to grabbing a third goal, charging down Foderingham’s clearance, but the ball narrowly missed the post. However, Pep Guardiola’s side couldn’t add more luster to the scoreline in the closing moments, settling for a 2-0 victory at the Etihad.