Assistant coach Juanma Lillo will be in charge of Man City as manager Pep Guardiola is absent as he recovers from back surgery. There are two changes to the starting line-up from the narrow win over Newcastle in the previous round. Midfielder Bernardo Silva and defender Nathan Ake start, while new signing Doku is on the bench after joining the Etihad from Rennes earlier this week.
Haaland missed a penalty in the first half
Despite being outplayed throughout the first half, hosts Sheffield United were quite pleased to go into the break without conceding a goal. Man City completely controlled the first 45 minutes at Bramall Lane. The reigning Premier League champions had more than 83% possession and had 12 shots. Of those, Erling Haaland missed the chance to open the scoring from the 11m mark in the 37th minute when his shot hit the post.
The visitors continued to exert pressure in the second half and Paul Heckingbottom's side only held out until the 63rd minute. Haaland made amends with a header from Jack Grealish's assist.
Rodri's goal helps Man City maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season
The goal that broke the deadlock helped Man City relieve their nerves. The visitors continued to dominate Sheffield United in the rest of the second half. Despite creating a series of chances, Man City's attack could not take advantage to increase the gap. And they paid a heavy price for wasting their chances.
Sheffield United were rewarded for their efforts when Jayden Ian Bogle capitalised on a mistake by defender Kyle Walker to equalise in the 85th minute. But the home side's joy only lasted three minutes as Rodri scored to seal a 2-1 win for Man City. With this victory, the Etihad team maintained their perfect record in the Premier League this season and temporarily top the table. Newcomer Sheffield United will face a difficult journey to stay in the league after suffering three consecutive defeats.
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