After back-to-back wins against Burnley and Newcastle United, the reigning Premier League and European champions Manchester City travelled to Bramall Lane to lock horns with the newly-promoted Sheffield United. The Blades punched above the weight to defend the fort, but the deadlock was finally broken when Erling Haaland headed home just over the hour mark. The hosts fired in incredibly late in the contest, however, the Sky Blues restored the lead and claimed all three points moments later, thanks to a thunderous strike from Rodri.
Below are the Manchester City players rated in their 2-1 win against Sheffield United.
Ederson: 6.5
Was denied a third successive league clean sheet when Jayden Bogle’s deflected effort found the back of the net. Was a bit nervy with his clearances when the home side were chasing the tie.
Kyle Walker: 7.5
Effective from the right-hand side with his overlapping runs, crosses and cut insides. His mistake allowed Sheffield United to draw an equalizer, but the veteran Englishman reacted sharply by playing his part in the build-up of Rodri’s winner.
Ruben Dias: 8
Made a terrific block to deny Gustavo Hamer’s strike after Ederson’s punch fell favourably into the path of the former Coventry City midfielder. Misplaced a pass in the closing minutes which could have refrained them from snatching the victory.
Nathan Ake: 7.5
Started in the heart of the backline alongside Dias. Maintained his composure with the ball on his feet and did his best to play it out from the back to instigate attacks from the deep. Struggled at times aerially, particularly after Oliver McBurnie’s introduction.
Joško Gvardiol: 7
The summer signing from RB Leipzig showed his mettle to carry the ball forward down the left-hand flank. Made some key recoveries to stop the Blades from staging counter-attacking threats.
Rodri: 8.5
A few of his efforts were off-target but he delivered yet again when it mattered the most. His stellar strike left Wes Foderingham with no chance as it drilled into the top corner.
Mateo Kovacic: 7.5
His ball-carrying ability allowed City to dominate the midfield game and pose constant attacking threats. Was taken off following Bogle’s equalizer in favour of Phil Foden.
Bernardo Silva: 7.5
His relentless runs and high work ethic made the job harder for Paul Heckingbottom’s men. The Portuguese playmaker was not clinical enough inside the box, but his link-up play and cut insides led to many chances for the visitors.
Julián Álvarez: 7
Wasted a few great opportunities as he either hit it wide or got denied by Foderingham. Started as a ‘number 10’ but mostly operated as a second striker.
Jack Grealish: 8
Set it up perfectly for Haaland who made no mistake to hit the target. Often drew fouls for his swift footwork, skills and with-the-ball movements.
Erling Haaland: 7.5
Was having a hard time as he hit the woodwork from the spot late in the first half. But the Norwegian hitman made no mistake in nodding home from Grealish’s cross around the hour mark.
Manchester City Subs vs Sheffield United
Phil Foden: NA
A lucky assist for the Englishman who played too little to warrant a rating.
