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Three Takeaways as Manchester City edge Sheffield United

By J.C. Gonzalez

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: John Egan of Sheffield United and Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City talks to referee Lee Mason during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on January 21, 2020 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: John Egan of Sheffield United and Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City talks to referee Lee Mason during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on January 21, 2020 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City grinded out a difficult 1-0 result at Bramall Lane against a tough Sheffield United side desperate for a point.

1. Laporte Returns

Aymeric Laporte made his long-awaited return from injury to face Sheffield, and his impact at the back was felt almost instantly. City managed a crucial clean sheet in a difficult match, and with the French defender back in the side, there is no reason to believe that City can’t get back to their absolute best in the coming months. With 78 minutes played on the day, it was a very encouraging return.

2. Agüero bails out City (again)

After starting the match on the bench in favor of Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Agüero came on in the second half and did what he does best: score goals. City were desperate for his poaching ability in a game against such an organized Sheffield team (who currently sit 7th in the Premier League after 24 matches), and he came up with the goods once again. Although the 31-year old will eventually move on, he remains a central figure and a player crucial to this team’s success.

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3. Kevin de Bruyne, record breaker

Kevin de Bruyne’s pinpoint assist, which allowed Agüero to essentially walk in the game’s only goal, made him the first player in Premier League history to record 15 assists in three different seasons. The Belgian’s run at Thierry Henry’s season assist record of 20 is well and truly on, and if he can remain fit and at this level for the final 14 matches of the season, he could set a mark that will be difficult for anyone to top (he is currently just below a 24-assist pace).