Sheffield, England, Aug 27 – Manchester City triumphed 2-1 against Sheffield United on Sunday, propelling themselves to the summit of the Premier League table. A decisive 88th-minute strike by Rodri secured their third triumph of the season, adding to their flawless start.
With the score tied at 1-1 and the game approaching its conclusion, the ball found its way to Phil Foden in the United box. While the English midfielder couldn’t exert control over it, Rodri capitalized by unleashing a powerful half-volley into the top corner, securing City’s victory.
Manager Pep Guardiola’s absence from the Bramall Lane touchline, owing to back surgery, saw assistant manager Juanma Lillo deputizing for him. Despite an additional seven minutes due to the home side’s pursuit of an equalizer, City successfully sealed the deal.
City now stands as the only team to maintain a perfect record this season, accumulating nine points. They lead by a two-point margin over West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal.
Assistant manager Juanma Lillo shared his assessment, stating, “Overall, I believe we displayed an excellent performance today. The scoreline doesn’t entirely reflect how close we were to achieving what we aimed for.”
City striker Erling Haaland’s first-half penalty attempt, awarded for handball, hit the post. However, he made amends shortly after the hour-mark, heading in a close-range goal from a Jack Grealish cross to break the deadlock.
Lillo commented, “The penalty miss could have had a transformative impact. We observed a resilient and forward-focused team throughout. We identified stability, combined with a persistent pursuit of goal opportunities.”
“As the second half unfolded, we escalated the tempo, reclaiming possession more swiftly. This enabled us to exploit new spaces formed by our faster ball recovery. Our goal could’ve come sooner.”
Sheffield United managed to equalize in the 85th minute, seizing on a defensive lapse arising from Kyle Walker’s mishandled backheel clearance. Jayden Bogle capitalized, firing an angled shot through the crowd and past City’s goalkeeper Ederson.
As United appeared poised to clinch their first point upon their return to the top flight, Rodri dashed their hopes with his late match-winning strike, made possible by Walker, who was once part of the United squad.
Presently, United occupies the 17th position in the standings, yet to secure a point from three games. Despite the challenging start, their effort against last season’s treble champions earned them applause as they exited the pitch.
Paul Heckingbottom, United’s manager, remarked, “I’d rather have the point than applause. Defeating City requires near perfection. Despite City’s ball possession, we felt we had an element of control over it. It adds a pinch of salt to the wound.” A wry smile accompanied his words.
