Manchester City finished an exceptional year strongly, securing victory against a resilient Sheffield United team to narrow the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to just two points.
Rodri provided an early breakthrough for the defending champions by capitalizing on Phil Foden’s precise pass, firing into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Despite Sheffield United’s compact defense, City had to be patient for the second goal. It arrived in the middle of the second half, courtesy of Foden’s assist, with Julian Alvarez finishing off his low cross.
Before kick-off, City, who secured the FIFA Club World Cup before Christmas, showcased all five major trophies they had won in 2023, serving as a reminder to rivals that they are the team to beat this season.
The return of Kevin de Bruyne to the squad after more than four months with a hamstring injury further emphasized City’s strength, even though he didn’t make it onto the pitch this time.
However, his presence on the touchline during the second half garnered loud cheers from the home fans.
On the flip side, Sheffield United supporters had little to cheer for as their team struggled to mount any significant attacks, except for a brief flurry of chances just before halftime.
The inevitability of defeat set in once City notched their second goal, leaving Chris Wilder’s side rooted to the bottom of the table without a single away win this season.
City chasing more glory in 2024
City had relinquished points by conceding late equalizers in their last three home league matches, but there was no risk of a recurrence in this instance.
In addition to the triumph, marking their first consecutive league wins since the beginning of November, they also had cause for celebration with their first clean sheet in eight games.
The festive season proved fruitful for Pep Guardiola’s team as all the teams above them dropped points. This success seems to have dispelled any notion of a pre-Christmas crisis for the team.
“We are not top, but I could not expect that with the results we had,” Guardiola said afterwards.
“Apart from two or three games, we played really well without the results that maybe we deserved – but in football what you deserve doesn’t count, it is a business and you have to win games – and here we did it.
“I am really pleased for the guys, after two days rest [after beating Everton on Wednesday].
“It was an intense month for all the Premier League teams I would say but the travel to Saudi Arabia was an incredibly positive impact on all of us, for the trophy first and to be together, after the disappointment of drawing with Crystal Palace after an incredibly good performance.”
City can look back with pride at their achievements in 2023, but they also have lots to look forward to in 2024.
De Bruyne’s seemingly imminent return to action is a major boost and they will hope to welcome Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku back from injury in January, as they push on in search of more silverware – starting in the FA Cup, where they host Huddersfield next weekend.
“In terms of titles and prizes, the past year was really good,” Guardiola added. “To see the five trophies on the pitch was really nice.
“We are so satisfied and proud but at the same time, now they are in the trophy cabinet and it is Huddersfield next.”
Blades show spirit but lack quality
Despite displaying considerable spirit, Sheffield United lacked the necessary quality to genuinely trouble their hosts.
Ending the year at the bottom of the table, the Blades face an uphill battle to avoid relegation, a feat no Premier League team has achieved after accumulating so few points in the first 20 games.
Assessing where Wilder needs reinforcements based on this performance is challenging, given the evident gap in quality between the two teams. However, their current standing as the team with the fewest goals scored and the most goals conceded in the top flight indicates a need for improvements across the pitch.
If they are to entertain any hope of survival, enhancements are imperative when the January transfer window opens.
“There’s no downside from this game, with the experience it’s given some of our younger players,” Wilder said afterwards.
“For me it wasn’t just regarding this game, because we always knew it would be incredibly tough to go and get a result at City. It is the overall six games [since he took charge] that I have reflected on when I spoke to the players afterwards – what they have given me, and what they have shown.
“I said after the first game against Liverpool, don’t kid me, is this a one off? And it wasn’t, in terms of their attitude.
“And now what we have is hopefully some additions coming into the group [in January] and precious time to work on the training ground, where we can work on all aspects of our play.
“But I think if you asked any Sheffield United supporter what they’ve taken from the past six games, it’s that the team has got fight in them, and it’s the same from my point of view.”