Late Rodri winner fires Man City to the top of the Premier League table

Rodri's late winner sends Manchester City top of the Premier League, securing Pep Guardiola's 200th Premier League win as manager.

In a thrilling match at Bramall Lane, Manchester City emerged victorious over Sheffield United with a stunning late winner from Rodri. The win propelled City to the top of the Premier League table.

The game seemed destined for a draw when Jayden Bogle scored an equalizer for the Blades in the 85th minute. However, Rodri had other plans and unleashed a powerful shot into the top left corner just three minutes later, securing the win for City.

Earlier in the match, Erling Haaland had the opportunity to put City ahead with a penalty, but he hit the inside of the right post. He later redeemed himself by heading in the opening goal from a cross by Jack Grealish.

This victory marked a significant milestone for City manager Pep Guardiola, as it was his 200th Premier League win in just 269 games, making him the fastest manager to reach this milestone in English top-flight history. Despite being absent from the touchline due to back surgery, Guardiola has been orchestrating the team's success from afar.

Additionally, this win also marked the first time City has won their first three games of a season since Guardiola's inaugural season as manager in 2016-17.

City thoroughly deserved the win, having dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the game. However, their profligacy in front of goal almost cost them dearly.

Despite having 79% possession and 30 attempts on goal, City struggled to break down a resilient United defense led by captain John Egan and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.

United capitalized on a mistake by former Blades defender Kyle Walker to equalize through Bogle, sending Bramall Lane into a frenzy. However, City quickly responded.

Walker made amends for his error by delivering a dangerous cross from the right, which deflected off substitute Phil Foden and fell to Rodri, who unleashed a powerful shot into the net.

Foden, who had been dropped from the starting lineup despite an impressive performance in the previous game against Newcastle, made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute following Bogle's equalizer.

Sheffield United can take pride in their defiant defensive display, despite suffering their fourth consecutive league defeat at the start of the season. They continued to create chances even after falling behind, with Gus Hamer's shot being well blocked by Ruben Dias and Oli McBurnie narrowly missing a header from a corner.

As the home side pushed for a second equalizer, Yasser Larouci and Anel Ahmedhodzic both had opportunities to score, but their efforts were either off target or saved.

McBurnie and Bogle, who made their first appearances of the season as United's injury list began to ease, provided a much-needed boost for the team. However, Ben Osborn was forced off with a suspected groin strain in the first half.

Before the match, Sheffield United received a boost with the arrival of England Under-21 striker Cameron Archer, who completed a reported £18m move from Aston Villa.

Overall, it was an enthralling match that showcased City's resilience and attacking prowess, as well as United's defensive determination. City's victory puts them in a strong position at the top of the Premier League table, while United can take encouragement from their spirited performance despite the defeat.

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