Man City 2-0 Sheffield United: Rodri and Julian Alvarez net in convincing win as Pep Guardiola's men close to within two points of leaders Liverpool
Daily MailThere cannot be another team in the history of this sport that can simultaneously be described as in slight disarray and having not lost at home for an entire calendar year. Julian Alvarez wrapped up all three points for Man City with a second-half strike Alvarez tapped home from close range to give City some breathing space at the Etihad Rodri scored City's opening goal just before the quarter of an hour mark on Saturday Your browser does not support iframes. City would not be sitting two points behind Liverpool if their talisman had played any part of the past few months and, as the team enjoyed a coronation before kick-off, it made you wonder what heights they can scale now the king's back – the only man to have come anywhere near close challenging Colin Bell for that accolade. MATCH FACTS AND PLAYER RATINGS Man City : Ederson 7; Walker 7, Akanji 7.5, Ake 7.5, Gvardiol 7; Rodri 9; Silva 8, Foden 8.5, Kovacic 7, Grealish 6 ; Alvarez 8 Subs not used: Ortega, Phillips, De Bruyne, Gomez, Nunes, Hamilton Sheffield United : Foderingham 6; Bogle 6, Baldock 5.5, Trusty 6, Robinson 5.5, Thomas 6 ; Norwood 6.5, Souza 5.5; Slimane 6, Brooks 6 ; Osula 6.5 Subs not used: Davies, McBurnie, Traore, Larcuci, Seriki Referee: David Coote 6 After warming up, De Bruyne wore the look of a major leader going down the 18th fairway, nonchalantly gesturing to the main stand as they rose to appreciate his genius. Kevin De Bruyne was back on the bench and received a big reception from the home fans Phil Foden has stepped up in De Bruyne's absence and registered two assists on Saturday 'It felt like we played for about five hours,' Wilder said.