Manchester City within 2 points of EPL leader Liverpool after beating Sheffield United

Manchester City beat Sheffield United 2-0 and moved to within two points of English Premier League leer Liverpool on Saturday.

Goals from Rodri and Julian Alvarez at Etih Stium secured a comfortable win for defending champions against bottom-placed team.

Third-placed City moved ahe of Arsenal on goal difference and was behind Liverpool and Aston Villa. Villa was second on goal difference after beating Burnley 3-2.

While City has looked below its best at times this season, it has been able to stay in reach of leers. And with Kevin De Bruyne returning from a hamstring injury, manager Pep Guardiola can hope for improved performances in new year.

y ended 2023 with back-to-back league wins after returning from Saudi Arabia and success in Club World Cup last week. All five trophies won over past 12 months — Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, European Super Cup and Club World Cup — were on show ahe of kickoff against Sheffield United.

That was a measure of task for Chris Wilder's relegation-fighting team. And visitor never looked like causing an upset.

City dominated and Rodri struck in 14th minute. Spain midfielder collected a ball deep in Sheffield United's half and drove forward to edge of box with no opposition player strong enough to stop him. He shot low into corner beyond goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.

Despite controlling game, City could not find a second before break and it was Sheffield United which came close to a leveller.

William Osula looked set to beat Ederson from close range, but his effort was blocked by a late tackle from Manuel Akanji. From resulting corner, Osula heed goalward and was denied by Ederson.

Phil Foden h a chance to double le early in second half when running through one-on-one with Foderingham, but ball was pushed away by keeper as he tried to take it round him.

When City got a second in 61st, Foden was creator, curling a cross for Alvarez to slide in and turn over line.

One of biggest cheers of day came when De Bruyne emerged to warm up on sideline. Belgian hasn't played since Aug. 11, first league game, and was named as a substitute on Saturday.