Despite the absence of coach Pep Guardiola, Man City still played like a programmed machine. Sheffield United - a newly promoted team that lost its first two matches of the season - had to brace itself against the attacking power of the reigning Premier League champions from the very first minutes of the match. They almost created a surprise at the end of the match, but Man City still showed their superiority.
Man City attacked continuously for most of the match.
In the first half, the visitors had 85% possession. They had 12 shots, while Sheffield United did not have a single attack. However, surprisingly, Man City could not score in the first half. Erling Haaland missed a chance from the penalty spot when he hit the post.
The game remained unchanged after the break. Man City continued to attack relentlessly. The defending champions' efforts were converted into a goal in the 63rd minute. Haaland jumped higher than the Sheffield United defender to receive Jack Grealish's pass and headed the ball into the home team's net.
Sheffield pushed up the pitch and a mistake from a Man City defender allowed the rookies to equalise in the 85th minute. Kyle Walker made a careless backheel in the box and lost the ball. Jayden Bogle took advantage of the opportunity to score for Sheffield United.
Rodri's late goal helped Man City win 3 points.
However, Man City immediately showed their superiority. They attacked again and again. Walker made amends by advancing and creating opportunities for his teammates in the 89th minute. Phil Foden - the only Man City player to come on as a substitute - failed to control the ball but accidentally created an opportunity for Rodri to score.
The defending champions made no mistake in the remaining minutes. Man City won 2-1 and climbed to the top of the Premier League table after round 3.
Result: Sheffield United 1-2 Man City
Score
Sheffield United: Bogle (85')
Man City: Haaland (63'), Rodri (89')
Sheffield United vs Man City lineup
Sheffield United: Wesley Foderingham (18-TM), Jack Robinson (19), John Egan (12), Anel Ahmedhodzic (15), Ben Osborn (23), Gustavo Hamer (8), Vinicius Souza (21), Oliver Norwood (16), George Baldock (2), Will Osula (32), Benie Traore (11)
Man City: Ederson Moraes (31-TM), Kyle Walker (2), Nathan Ake (6), Ruben Dias (3), Josko Gvardiol (24), Rodri (16), Mateo Kovacic (8), Jack Grealish (10), Julian Alvarez (19), Bernardo Silva (20), Erling Haaland (9).
Minh Anh
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