Raheem Sterling impressed once again while Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo also put in bright performances as Manchester City beat Sheffield United 1-0 on Saturday.
Manchester City bounced back to winning ways in the Premier League as they defeated Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane this weekend.
Kyle Walker scored the only goal of the game with a fine half-volley after being found by Kevin De Bruyne in the 28th minute. The Blades hardly threatened a comeback on the day, while the Cityzens could have had a few more goals of their own if not for the impressive Aaron Ramsdale in the hosts’ goal.
The result sees Pep Guardiola’s side move into the eighth place in the Premier League table, with 11 points from six games. And here’s how we rated the performances of the Manchester City stars at Bramall Lane.
Ederson Moraes: 6/10
The Brazilian did not have a great deal to do in terms of saves as the Blades failed to hit anything on target on the day. However, was alert to any long-ball attempts or crosses from the home team.
Kyle Walker: 8/10
A cracking game from the Yorkshireman!
⚽️ @EASPORTSFIFA
? 0-1 ? #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/wxIjAuYZQq— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 31, 2020
Going up against his boyhood club, the England international was in his elements as he constantly got past players going forward, while not letting Sheffield United create anything meaningful on his flank, with his searing pace coming to City’s aid on occasions. Capped it off with a fine strike in the first half to clinch an important victory for his side.
Ruben Dias: 7/10
The Portuguese international is proving to be quite an acquisition for Manchester City. Starting his sixth game in a row for the Cityzens, Dias was a calming presence at the heart of the defence. Exuded great composure and made sure he was in the right positions at the right time to thwart the home team.
Aymeric Laporte: 7/10
Strong in the air, sharp on the ground, the Frenchman ensured little got past him on the day. Looked better than what he did in midweek against Olympique Marseille and should only get better as his fitness improves.
Joao Cancelo: 8/10
May not be playing in his preferred position but Cancelo made quite the impact starting at left-back against the Blades. Was very influential going forward as he played four key passes – most by any player on the day. At the same time, he was reliable at the back, putting his pace to good use to recover in tricky situations. Completed the most number of tackles (5).
João Cancelo’s game by numbers vs. Sheffield United:
86% pass accuracy
6 ball recoveries
5 tackles won
4 chances created
3 clearances
2 aerials won
2 fouls won
1 big chance createdAnother impressive display on the left. ?? pic.twitter.com/iB8JUXCorw
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 31, 2020
Bernardo Silva: 7/10
Back into the starting XI, the Portuguese put in a quietly effective performance at Bramall Lane. Showed good intensity and purpose in the middle, helping Rodri snuff out the hosts while he used the ball very smartly when in possession. Came close to scoring late in the game but Ramsdale stood in the way with a rather straightforward stop.
Rodri: 7.5/10
Anchoring the midfield for Manchester City, the Spanish international was an assured and a reliable presence on the pitch. Hardly put a foot wrong over the course of the game as he expertly shielded his defence, limiting Sheffield United’s efficacy in attack. Won the joint-most aerial duels on the day. Came close to scoring a screamer, only to see his swerving effort get tipped over the bar by Ramsdale.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7.5/10
Another game. Another assist for the Belgian superstar. Found Walker with a cross-field pass for the only goal of the game. Came close to scoring soon after, but his clever free-kick under the Sheffield United wall was saved by Ramsdale. Played three key passes on the day to cap off another influential display.
Kevin De Bruyne has registered 3 assists in 3 appearances vs. Sheffield United.
That one is pretty generous. ? pic.twitter.com/1KNSDKdDMI
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 31, 2020
Riyad Mahrez: 7/10
Starting here after a bright cameo in midweek, the Algerian ran at the opponents with confidence and caused quite a few issues, completing four of his seven attempted dribbles. However, the end product let him down on the day. Did force a save from Ramsdale from a free-kick, while playing one key pass. Encouraging performance.
Ferran Torres: 7/10
Starting in an unfamiliar central role once again, the summer recruit showed quite a lot of promise against Sheffield United. Torres was sharp in his movement as he made some impressive runs in behind the Blades’ backline. Was denied by Aaron Ramsdale on two occasions in the first half, while he should have done better with a chance early in the second period.
Raheem Sterling: 8/10
Looks unshackled now that Guardiola has stopped using him through the middle. Caused a problem to the hosts’ defence every time he got on the ball, while some of his link-up play with De Bruyne was very impressive. Did not score or assist on the afternoon but did play a key role in the only goal of the game.
Let's talk about Raheem Sterling's quick feet ⚡️⚡️
A great piece of skill in the build-up to City's goal! pic.twitter.com/C1yWC34Bsb
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 31, 2020
Substitutes
Phil Foden: N/A
Thrown on in place of Torres for the final ten minutes.
Ilkay Gundogan: N/A
Replaced Mahrez with a little over five minutes left.
