Man City player ratings vs Sheffield Utd: Rodri runs the show while Phil Foden pulls the strings as champions cruise to 2023-ending victory

The Spaniard scored a classy individual goal to put the world champions on their way to a fourth consecutive victory in all competitions

Manchester City were greeted with the five trophies they have won in 2023 when they stepped out onto the pitch for their final game of 2023 against Sheffield United, and the procession continued for 90 minutes, with Rodri acting as chief flag bearer.

The Spaniard scored City's opening goal practically by himself, winning the ball back, racing towards the edge of the box and then bending a delightful shot into the bottom corner.

City never looked in danger of losing their lead as they had against Crystal Palace in their last home game, but a proactive substitution by Pep Guardiola ensured they stayed extra-motivated. Off came the sluggish Jack Grealish and on came the livewire Oscar Bobb, who sparked the move for the second goal with a perfectly-weighted pass which Phil Foden helped Julian Alvarez guide into the net.

The sight of the soon-to-return Kevin De Bruyne warming up further lifted City's fans, giving them plenty of hope for their charge towards an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title in 2024.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (6/10):
Was kept busier than he might have imagined in the first half but dealt with it well.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
His passing was a little sloppy but got forward a lot and created his share of danger
Manuel Akanji (7/10):
Much improved on his recent performances. His ball forward helped set up Rodri's goal and he made a crucial block on Osula's shot.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Formed a solid partnership with Akanji after shifting over from left-back in the last game.
Josko Gvardiol (6/10):
Looks more like a City player with each game, but still overcooking passes.

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Midfield
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Good without being great. Missed a decent chance to score and was barged off the ball a few times.
Rodri (8/10):
At his very best. Taking responsibility for scoring and more forward moves when he wasn't orchestrating the play.
Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Did well defensively, although was booked for a tactical foul.
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Attack
Phil Foden (8/10):
Brilliant again. Dictated the pace of the game and was incisive, delivering a perfect pass for Alvarez to clinch the points.
Julian Alvarez (6/10):
Worked tirelessly but continued to frustrate his team-mates with wasteful play. Despite that, scored his fourth goal in three games, albeit a tap-in.
Jack Grealish (5/10):
Not his usual self, perhaps unsurprisingly after the trauma of his house being broken into. Taken off early in the second half.

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Subs & Manager
Oscar Bobb (7/10):
Much better than Grealish and produced a majestic piece of play in the build-up for the second goal.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Ensured the Blades were never a threat in the latter stages.
Rico Lewis (6/10):
Useful in both halves of the pitch when he came on.
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
Proactive with his substitutes, ensuring City did not get complacent.

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