Manchester City moved within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool after finishing an incredible year on a high note by defeating a spirited Sheffield United team.
After a deft pass from Phil Foden, Rodri scored for the
reigning champs from the edge of the area, sending the ball into the bottom
corner of the net.
City had to wait for a second goal because of the Blades'
strong defense, but Foden again supplied it halfway through the second half
when Julian Alvarez finished off his low cross.
Before the game, City, who won the Fifa Club World Cup just
before Christmas, had all five of the major trophies they had won in 2023 on display
on the field.
The fact that Kevin de Bruyne was back in the lineup
following a more than four-month absence due to a hamstring injury served as a
reminder to their opponents that they are still the side to beat this season.
The Sheffield United
supporters, on the other hand, had much to cheer about since their team didn't
do much attacking save for a burst of opportunities right before halftime.
After City's second goal, it seemed certain that they would
lose, and Chris Wilder's team is still bottom of the standings without a road
victory this year.