Manchester City beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Etihad Stadium on Saturday as Pep Guardiola’s side made it two wins from two since becoming Club World Cup champs.
City scored early through Rodri and had chances galore as Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United were held at arm’s length for the vast majority of the contest as the Blades had a couple of chances on the counter and that was that. Julian Alvarez finished off a fine City team move in the second half to secure the win.
Phil Foden set up both goals as he dazzled in a central role, while Kevin De Bruyne returned to the bench after his lengthy spell out through injury but he wasn’t even risked as Guardiola’s boys won with minimum fuss.
With the win City move on to 40 points, while Sheffield United remain bottom of the table on nine points.
Foden gives Pep a lovely headache
The way Phil Foden took control of the game against Sheffield United gave Pep Guardiola a lovely headache to figure out: what do I do know Kevin de Bruyne is back fit? “The standing ovation when he was warming up tells me the people want him back. It was a long injury for all of us but we’re happy he’s back,” Guardiola told the BBC after the routine win. With KDB on the bench but not risked against the Blades, there’s no need to rush his return. But when he does return, where will De Bruyne play? Foden flourishes in a central role better than he does out wide. Yes, formations and positions within Guardiola’s teams are very fluid and Foden has the flexibility to roam around but starting from a central area makes him more dangerous. To accommodate Foden playing in the No. 10 position Kevin de Bruyne could start alongside Rodri in a slightly deeper role but do you then take away KDB’s incredible influence in attack if you play him too deep? Potentially. It is an intriguing champagne problem to have for Guardiola and he will be delighted to have De Bruyne back knowing he doesn’t have to rely on him to run the team and can use his talents wherever he sees best and keep him fresh.
Manchester City vs Sheffield United player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com it is clear to see Foden had a brilliant day with two assists and he totally ran the show in a central role. Rodri scored the early goal and shut everything down in midfield, while City’s entire defensive unit had a very comfortable outing.
What’s next?
Manchester City are next in Premier League action when they head to Newcastle on Saturday, Jan. 13. Sheffield United are now on their Premier League winter break as they’re next in action as they host West Ham United on Jan. 21.
How to watch Manchester City vs Sheffield United live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET, Saturday (December 30)
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Manchester City vs Sheffield United live! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Full time: Manchester City 2-0 Sheffield United
One of the most routine wins you will see in the Premier League this season. Total domination from Manchester City and aside from a few counter attacks at the end of the first half, Sheffield United were in damage limitation mode from the first minute.
Julian Alvarez slots home a second - Manchester City 2-0 Sheffield United (61st minute)
Lovely move from City as substitute Oscar Bobb plays in Foden and his perfect cross to the back post is finished off by Alvarez. Silky, smooth and the second goal which City’s dominance deserved.
City clicking through the gears
Phil Foden gets in over the top but Foderingham smothers his effort and Sheffield United clear.
Great block by Akanji to deny Osula
A break down the right sees the ball crossed in and Osula’s goalbound effort is brilliantly blocked by Akanji. From the resulting corner Osula’s header is saved by Ederson. Promising signs for Sheffield United as we approach half time.
Rodri opens the scoring - Manchester City 1-0 Sheffield United (14th minute)
After a decent start from the Blades, Rodri finished to put City ahead.
Manchester City lineup
Ederson; Walker, Ake, Akanji, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Silva, Foden, Grealish; Alvarez
Sheffield United lineup
Foderingham; Baldock, Robinson, Trusty; Bogle, Norwood, Souza, Thomas; Ben Slimane, Brooks; Osula
Focus on Manchester City, team news
With John Stones suffering a foot injury against Everton, Pep Guardiola has some more tweaking to do defensively and that has been the story of the season back there. Haaland is still out but both he and Kevin de Bruyne should return soon and that will give City a big boost heading into 2024. Julian Alvarez, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden really stepped up against Everton and Guardiola will need that trio to keep their foot on the accelerator over the next few weeks. City have to stay focused late on, as they’ve dropped six points from winning positions at home this season which is two more than in their last two seasons combined.
OUT: Jeremy Doku (other), Erling Haaland (foot), John Stones (foot)
Erling Haaland injury status
Erling Haaland remains out for Manchester City as the Premier League’s leading goalscorer (still leading the way with 14 goals so far this season) hasn’t featured since December 6 against Aston Villa. Haaland has a foot injury which City are nursing and with Julian Alvarez stepping up in recent weeks they can take their time to make sure the Norwegian superstar is fully fit and Guardiola won’t rush this. Guardiola said after City’s win at Everton that “it is not a stress fracture” but is a “question of when the pain will disappear” as Haaland continues to manage his foot injury.
Focus on Sheffield United, team news
The Blades are making silly defensive mistakes and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was at fault for Luton’s opener last time out. They have big injuries and suspension issues to deal with and after this game at City they have games against West Ham and Crystal Palace where the minimum should be four points if they’re going to give themselves a chance of staying up. Wilder has a huge job on his hands and Sheffield United need to strengthen in January but it looks uncertain whether or not they will.
OUT: John Egan (ankle), Chris Basham (ankle), Tom Davies (thigh), Daniel Jebbison (illness), Gustavo Hamer (suspension), Anel Ahmedhodzic (suspension), Jayden Bogle (suspension), James McAtee (unable to face parent club)