Man City came out at Bramall Lane after the half-time break all guns blazing. The Blues continued to search for the opener, and Haaland almost got himself on the scoresheet after five minutes.
Despite City pressing hard and trying to create, there’s a lack of cohesion between the attacking players. While it felt a breakthrough was close early in the second half, it’s just not coming off.
Sheffield United saw their second yellow as Osula catches Gvardiol with a flailing arm.
Kovacic looked to step up and create with some lovely balls through the lines. One makes its way to Haaland but he sees his shot saved.
Only fifteen minutes into the second half, the home side are camped in their penalty area as they defend with their lives. The Boys in Blue have attacked relentlessly to find their first.
And they had it. Grealish down the left side of the penalty area chipped the ball past the Sheffield United defence and Haaland nodded it past Foderingham.
Sixty-two minutes in it’s Sheffield United 0 -1 Manchester City.
However, less than ten minutes later Haaland sees his second but it’s ruled out for being miles offside.
The home side called upon reinforcements as Osula and Baldock made way for Bogle and McBurnie.
Despite the lack of recognised free-kick taker, Alvarez stepped up for the Blues on seventy-eight minutes. While his shot was on target with plenty of power, it was an easy save for Foderingham.
Sheffield United introduced veteran Basham in place of Norwood, as they looked to get back into the game with just over ten minutes to go.
Sheffield United 1 – 1 Manchester City.
And it seemed to work as the changes reignited a spark creating a spicy contest and the Blues lead looking shaky in defence. Following some iffy defending by City skipper, Bogle smashes on past Ederson.
Foden entered in place of Kovacic to help maintain City’s winning streak and makes an instant impact setting up Alvarez for the shot. However, he skies it with just minutes to go.
Diving header missed by Goldie Locks, but Walker does well to get the ball back into attacking play. As the ball falls to Foden he is unable to take a shot but Rodri is there with a typical Rodri rocket.
WHAT A FINISH FROM RODRI 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/OhTQPXrMmT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 27, 2023
It’s eighty-eight minutes and the Blues lead again.
Sheffield United 1 – 2 Man City.
An all-action finale with seven minutes additional time. Sheffield United were not giving up. With just minutes left, the Blues regained control and saw the game out as Champions do.
Full time: Sheffield United 1 – 2 Manchester City.
