Manchester City ended a memorable 2023 in style with a dominant 2-0 win over Sheffield United that lifts them into third place in the Premier League.
2023/2024 Premier League
2-0
Match Report
In a game where the gulf in class was huge, City bossed possession as they recorded 82 per cent of the ball with goals courtesy of Rodri and Julian Alvarez.
It caps a quite sensational calendar year for Pep Guardiola's side, who won five trophies, scoring 159 goals along the way in their 66 matches.
This victory leaves them perfectly positioned in the title race, just two points off Liverpool whilst the return of Kevin De Bruyne, who was named among the substitutes but didn't get on, only further enhances the menacing look about their prospects in 2024.
What's next?
Manchester City are next in action on January 7, hosting Championship side Huddersfield in the third round of the FA Cup, before returning to league commitments on January 13 with a trip to Newcastle; kick-off 5.30pm.
Sheffield United are also in third-round action when travelling to League Two outfit Gillingham on January 6, and don't return to league duty until January 21 when West Ham visit Bramall Lane; kick-off 2pm.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
14' GOAL! Man City 1-0 Sheff Utd (Rodri)
20' CLOSE! Bernardo’s shot wide out
24' CLOSE! Walker’s Long shot wide out
37' Yellow Card! Guardiola booked
43' Yellow Card! Kovacic booked
45' Rodri’s long shot inches wide!
55' Foden misses a golden chance!
61' GOAL! Man City 2-0 Sheff Utd (Julián Álvarez)
Line-ups
Man City XI: Walker, Kovacic, Ake, Ederson, Grealish, Bernardo, Akanji, Rodri, Foden, Julián Álvarez, Josko Gvardiol
Subs: De Bruyne, Stefan Ortega, Ruben Dias, Kalvin Phillips, Sergio Gómez, Matheus Nunes, Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis, Micah Hamilton
Sheff Utd XI: Baldock, Norwood, Robinson, Wes Foderingham, Auston Trusty, Jayden Bogle, Vini Souza, Luke Thomas, Anis Slimane, William Osula, Andre Brooks
Subs: Osborn, Adam Davies, McBurnie, Brewster, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Larouci, Cameron Archer, Bénie Traoré, Femi Seriki