Manchester City’s Rodri once again delivered for his team as he found the back of the net in the 88th minute for a 2-1 win against Sheffield United. The result marked City’s third consecutive victory in the Premier League, as they look to defend the title.
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After missing a penalty in the first half, Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. However, it looked like City would be dropping points after an error by captain Kyle Walker allowed Jayden Bogle to score an unexpected equaliser in the 85th minute.
Walker made amends by recovering the ball on the right flank and delivering a cross to Phil Foden. Although Foden’s control was off, the ball found its way to Rodri, who took the opportunity to deliver a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner of the net.
Rodri, who was also the scorer of City’s winning goal in the previous season’s Champions League final, has already netted twice in this campaign, having also scored against Burnley in the opening round.
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City stands alone as the only team with a perfect nine points from their opening matches.
During their visit to Bramall Lane, City and Haaland faced a challenging day against Sheffield United’s robust and defensively-oriented playstyle. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when a penalty was awarded for a handball by John Egan. Unfortunately for Haaland, he failed to convert the opportunity by hitting the post, sending the ball wide, while goalkeeper Wes Foderingham dived in the opposite direction.
The game remained largely one-sided in the second half, with Haaland missing chances to score. He shot wide from Walker’s cross and later had a well-placed chip saved by Foderingham in the 61st minute.
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City manager Pep Guardiola was not in the dugout as he is recovering from back surgery, but witnessed Haaland deliver as he has done in the past. Haaland connected a cross from Jack Grealish, heading the ball into the net at the back post.
Walker, who previously played for Sheffield United, was guilty of an expensive error, leading to the equaliser. He attempted a backheel clearance in his own penalty area. This led to Bogle winning the ball and scoring low beyond goalkeeper Ederson Moraes.
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However, it was Rodri who was the hero, rescuing City and earning them three more points. City’s wins over Burnley, Newcastle, and Sheffield United have given them a two-point lead after three matches. Juanma Lillo took charge of City’s management in Guardiola’s absence.
