Sheffield United 0-1 Man City: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Citizens Battle to Victory

Manchester City battled to a 1-0 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening, with Sergio Aguero coming on to score the all-important winner.

City started brightly, but it was the hosts who created the first real opening. Chris Wilder's men were able to get in behind, but Fernandinho was able to stick out a toe to intercept. Raheem Sterling came close just before the 20 minute mark, but his shot was expertly tipped away by Dean Henderson.

Henderson was once again called into action, this time producing another smart stop to deny Otamendi's acrobatic strike. With ten minutes of the first half remaining, Riyad Mahrez weaved his way through the Sheffield United defence and was brought down, the referee deciding to award a penalty. Up stepped Gabriel Jesus, but the Blades shot-stopper denied him with another world class save. 

Lys Mousset could have given the home side the lead midway through the second half, but his back-heeled effort was comfortably stopped. Instead, the away side moved into the lead through Aguero with 20 minutes remaining, the forward tapping home. Despite the Blades' best efforts, City were able to hold on to secure a vital three points. 

SHEFFIELD UNITED

Key Talking Point

The high-flying Sheffield United came into this clash in seventh place, having picked up a point in their last game against Arsenal. Once again, Wilder's men looked bright and composed, while they were pressing and forcing City into mistakes in the early stages. 

As the first half wore on, the Blades began to make a few sloppy mistakes, which they really should have been punished for, but fortunately for them, Henderson was in superb form. While they were continuing to play with a high tempo, it was occasionally sloppy and it left them vulnerable at the back.

They had ridden their luck, but they grew into the contest and looked to take the game to the away side whenever they had the opportunity. However, they were made to pay for their missed chances and Wilder will feel frustrated that his side didn't come away with at least a point.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Henderson (9*), Basham (6), Egan (6), O'Connell (6), Baldock (6), Besic (4), Norwood (5), Fleck (6), Stevens (6), McBurnie (7), Sharp (5)

Substitutes: Mousset (6), Robinson (5), Lundstram (5)

Dean Henderson

A very simple one, really.

Henderson was sensational for Sheffield United and if it wasn't for him, City could well have been three goals up by half time. As the ball was played to Sterling early on, there was an expectancy that the net would ripple. However, it did not. Instead, Henderson produced a stunning save to somehow tip the ball away. The best thing? Not only was he able to make the stop, he also turned it away from danger. Outstanding.

The second stop was perhaps just as good, turning away an Otamendi overhead kick. Oh, and he also saved Jesus' penalty. While it should have been retaken, it was still a world class stop, nonetheless. He continued to shine all night and although he was unable to keep a clean sheet, his name was ringing out around the stadium. 

Gareth Southgate, you have a decision to make.

MANCHESTER CITY

Key Talking Point

Pep Guardiola made seven changes to the team that drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace on Saturday. The draw was City's latest setback this season and Guardiola will have been looking for a response. 

One of the changes saw Aymeric Laporte return to the starting lineup. He came into a back three which also included Otamendi and Fernandinho, with Guardiola seemingly keen to limit the threat posed by their opponents. However, while they were perhaps unlucky not to go into the break ahead, they struggled to really break down the hosts' defence. 

The possession was slow, wasteful and the players looked lethargic. There was no width and, as a result, they failed to get in behind on many occasions. However, it took one moment of magic to give them a slender win. Pep will want more, however.

Player Ratings 

Starting XI: Ederson (6), Walker (6), Otamendi (7), Fernandinho (5), Laporte (7), Rodri (6), Zinchenko (6), De Bruyne (7), Mahrez (6), Sterling (4), Jesus (4)

Substitutes: Aguero (6), Garcia (5), Silva (N/A)

Sergio Aguero

It was a hugely disappointing display by City and there weren't many standout performers, but when his team needed him most, Aguero stepped up and delivered.

The Argentine only came on as a substitute moments before, but he wasted no time in putting his side into the lead. He picked up a pocket of space to tap home Kevin de Bruyne's stunning cross. 

Aguero is simply an outstanding, world-class talent and once again, he proved to be the difference maker for City. 

Looking Ahead

Sheffield United face a trip to take on Millwall on Saturday in the FA Cup. They then return to Premier League action the following Saturday, travelling to face Crystal Palace. 

City, meanwhile, host Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday before taking on rivals Manchester United in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi final clash on Wednesday.