Manchester City ran out 2-1 winners at Bramall Lane in the Premier League after a thrilling finale. City were largely dominant but had to fight right until the end to take all three points. Here are five things we learned from the game.
No Pep, no problem!
Despite the absence of City manager Pep Guardiola, Manchester City displayed a familiar tempo to their game with large spells of possession and a constant retention of the ball. As expected, it was one way traffic. However it took 26 minutes for Manchester City to test Sheffield United keeper Wes Foderingham for the first time. From that point, the opportunities were frequent for the visitors. They had to work for it, but Manchester City were successful in taking advantage of Arsenal’s dropped points against Fulham. Maximum points so far for City, and Guardiola would have been pleased watching from afar.
Embed from Getty ImagesHaaland never gave up!
So much has gone right for Erling Haaland during his time at the champions, however it looked like it wasn’t his day at Bramall Lane. A first half penalty miss and some scrutinised physical tussles with the Sheffield United defenders made for a difficult first half for the Norwegian striker. He left the pitch at halftime shaking his head, and five minutes into the second half his bad luck continued, missing a gilt-edged chance. He was then again denied by Foderingham on the hour mark. Haaland could have had a hattrick! Haaland finally got his goal on 63 minutes, nodding home at the far post after a brilliant cross from Jack Grealish. He wasn’t going to leave the pitch without having his say.
Embed from Getty ImagesRodri – City’s savour!
For a moment, it looked like for all of City’s numerous chances and domination they were going to drop two points to Sheffield United. Step forward Rodri. He had had three shots off target earlier in the half but hit an absolute thunderbolt of a half-volley into the top corner for his second goal of the season. The man who scored the winner in the Champions League final last season got Guardiola’s side out of jail on Sunday afternoon to claim three wins out of three. The perfect start in their quest to retain the title again.
Embed from Getty ImagesMateo Kovacic fitting like a glove
Mateo Kovacic is playing with freedom in his new role at Manchester City. The former Chelsea midfielder enjoyed driving through midfield with the ball. Ilkay Gundogan played a similar role for City during his time at the club, but it seems Kovacic has been sounded out by Guardiola to be his ideal replacement. It was another impressive display from Kovacic and his introduction into Manchester City’s midfield has been seamless. Can the Croatian start to chip in with goals too?
Embed from Getty ImagesResilient Sheffield United
Despite defeat, Sheffield United gave a good account of themselves, especially defensively. They held their shape well, put bodies on the line and created a threat with a two on two counter attacking situation. It was clear to see a gulf in class in terms of quality in attack between the two teams, but the Blades kept themselves in the game against the Champions. It is back to back games where Sheffield United have conceded late to lose, but there were positives to take for Paul Heckingbottom’s men.
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