Manchester City were given an almighty scare by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, but a late Rodri strike meant they secured a 2-1 triumph.

It looked like it was going to be one of those days for the champions as a system malfunction meant the Nordic machine, Erling Haaland, missed a penalty in the opening period. However, the striker eventually grabbed his goal which gave the visitors the lead in the second half.

Out of nothing, though, the hosts responded through substitute Jayden Bogle, who finished superbly to draw the Blades level with five minutes remaining. However, City swiftly came again with Rodri thumping home quite brilliantly to restore their lead.

How the game unfolded
The dynamic of the contest was predictable pre-match, with City monopolising possession against a spirited and deep Sheffield Utd block. Paul Heckingbottom's side made life difficult for the visitors, but they offered little to no attacking threat in the first half as City's backline masterfully dealt with the Blades' minimal transition threat.

Nevertheless, the hosts were able to keep City at bay, even if they did ride their luck in the first half. Nathan Ake had an effort ruled out for offside before Haaland was denied by the post from the penalty spot.

The Cityzens' pressure was relentless either side of the break, but the Blades held firm. After Wes Foderingham smartly denied Haaland and Julian Alvarez on the hour, the former atoned for his penalty miss by nodding home the opener from close range following some good work from Jack Grealish to work the opening.

It appeared as if City would then coast to victory, but they failed to put the game to bed which offered the hosts a route back into the contest. Bogle made the visitors pay for failing to clear when he drove home an equaliser from inside the box, but the Blades were on level terms for just a few minutes as City came again and bagged a second through Rodri, whose strike was stunning.

The visitors then managed the contest in typical City fashion as the hosts failed to get on the ball during the seven minutes of stoppage time. The Cityzens' win means they're the only side in the Premier League to have won their opening three games as they moved to the top of the table.

Source: 90minute.com

BDST: 0948 HRS, AUG 28, 2023
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