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Manchester City narrowly defeat Sheffield United 1-0

ByJ.C. Gonzalez|
Manchester City's English defender Kyle Walker (L) vies with Sheffield United's English midfielder Ben Osborn during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on October 31, 2020. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's English defender Kyle Walker (L) vies with Sheffield United's English midfielder Ben Osborn during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on October 31, 2020. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester City created a host of chances, but managed just a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane.

Manchester City came into the weekend needing all three points against a struggling Sheffield United side to get their Premier League title challenge on track following a difficult start to the domestic season. City were the better side, especially in the first half, but dropped off and simply saw out the game in the second when Sheffield threatened to equalize.

Aaron Ramsdale had a brilliant game to keep City out, denying City’s makeshift striker Ferran Torres on a couple occasions. Torres was very good, and looks to have clearly established himself as Pep Guardiola’s best choice in the absence of Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Agüero. Spanish strikers with the name F. Torres have had their fair share of success in the Premier League in the past, and Ferran looks in line to be a real star for Manchester City. The partnership of Aymeric Laporte and Rúben Dias was rock-solid once again, keeping a second consecutive clean sheet while not allowing a shot on target.

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Kyle Walker grabbed the only goal of the game from long range, scoring against his boyhood club. City could have killed the game off, but managed to see out a crucial win that finally lifts them into the top half of the table. With the Champions League against Olympiacos followed by a potential early title decider against Liverpool, this win is a huge three points to keep the run of form on track.

This was another good performance from City, even though the result may not reflect it. Perhaps this team has finally found its footing and will be ready to assume the mantle of title favorites that so many have given them, but it will take consistency in their play if they are to truly challenge.