EPL: Manchester City back to top of Premier League after defeating Sheffield United
Manchester City are back to the top of the Premier League table after clinching a late-winner against Sheffield United on Sunday, August 27.
Despite missing their manager Pep Guardiola who is recovering from a surgery, City started at their imperious best, dominating possession with controlled passing and great incisive build-ups.
City had a goal ruled out in the 20th minute due to offside. Nathan Ake had bundled home from a free kick, but Rodri was in an offside position. City won a penalty in the 37th minute when Julian Alvarez’s shot hit John Egan’s arm in the box.
Erling Haaland stepped up to take the spot kick but his strike hit the post as Sheffield survived. Despite having the lion’s share of the ball with almost 83% possession, City failed to score in the first half as both teams went into the break tied goalless.
Erling Haaland redeemed himself after missing a first-half penalty by breaking the deadlock in the 63rd. He rose highest to head home Jack Grealish’s teasing ball from the left wing to make it 1-0.
It however ;ooked like City would be dropping points in a game it dominated when a mistake by captain Kyle Walker gifted Jayden Bogle an unlikely 85th-minute equalizer. Walker attempted a backheel to clear the ball, which was intercepted, leading to Jayden Bogle’s deflected strike beating Ederson in the 85th minute to bring Sheffield level to send the home crowd to jubilation.
Their joy was short-lived as Rodri smashed in the winning goal just three minutes later. Despite some pressure from Sheffield United late on, Manchester City held on for the crucial three points.
This is the first time since Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge that City have won their opening three league games. They’ve also secured nine points in the three matches, pushing them to the top of the Premier League table.
