Rodri and Julian Alvarez scored for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side recorded a comfortable 2-0 win against Sheffield United on Saturday to close the gap on top of the Premier League.
City who displayed the five trophies they won in 2023 prior kickoff went into the game as clear favourites and they did not leave any room for doubt. As early as the 14th minute, Rodri had City ahead. Alvarez then wrapped up a perfect evening with City’s second to ensure that they close the gap on table leaders Liverpool.
The defending champions are now just 2 points and two places behind the leaders. That win would’ve taken Man City to second, but after Aston Villa’s 3-2 win over Burnley on the same day, they rise just a place above.
Aston Villa are second in the standings, but they are level on points (42) with Liverpool albeit with a game more. Unai Emery’s side are not in this position by mistake; they have proved to be one of the most consistent sides in the league.
Saturday’s results made a bad reading for Arsenal. The Gunners who have won just two games in their last five started the weekend on second position, but owing to the two results, they were demoted down to fourth.
Mikel Arteta’s team will hope to respond to that situation and their 2-0 loss to West Ham in midweek with victory as they seek to keep within touching distance of the leader.
Away from the top, Manchester United capped a miserably year horribly with another disappointing loss. Erik Ten Hag’s side lost 2-1 to 15th placed Nottingham Forest.
Marcus Rashford scored his first league goal from open play since September, but it was not enough to earn his team the three points.
The win keeps United seventh, but should Newcastle and Brighton win their respective games, they will start 2024 placed ninth.
Brighton are currently eighth with 30 points while Newcastle are a place down with 29. They will face West Ham and Liverpool on Tuesday and Monday respectively.
