Kevin de Bruyne starred as Manchester City defeated Sheffield United at home 2-0 to pull back within a point of second place Leicester.
Sergio Agüero marked his full return to action with a brilliant performance as Manchester City defeated newly-promoted upstarts Sheffield United 2-0 at the Etihad.
Belgian superstar Kevin de Bruyne provided a goal and assist in a brilliant performance, while youngster Eric García got his chance and kept a much-needed clean sheet. After falling to defeat at the Molineux to Wolves, City needed a response in this game, and managed it well.
A result against Sheffield is expected, but the encouraging signs of a Fernandinho-García partnership moving forward is exciting. Rodri once again put in a good performance shielding the back four, as City dominated 73% of the ball and did not allow Sheffield a shot on goal. With Ederson suspended after his red card in the last match, protecting backup Claudio Bravo was of the utmost importance, and City managed it well in this match.
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Oleksander Zinchenko made his return to the side to replace Benjamin Mendy and performed admirably. This match was the second in the last three days for the Citizens, and with the business of the festive period continuing, it was important to pick up three points at home against newly-promoted opposition.
The game was not without controversy, however. Sheffield forward Lys Mousset had a goal disallowed, and Agüero’s goal appeared to have possibly deflected off the referee, but in what was another controversial day of VAR around the league, it worked in City’s favor today.
The Blues ended off 2019 with a high, and although the second half of the year has been disappointing after an incredible start, today was a somewhat happy ending. The future in 2020 still remains bright, and the potential to make this season great is still out there. Here’s to another year of football.