Manchester City 2-0 Sheffield United – Rodri and Julian Alvarez on target in comfortable Premier League victory

Julian Alvarez scored on his 50th Premier League appearance as champions Manchester City finished a historic year by defeating bottom side Sheffield United 2-0 to move within two points of top spot in the table.

Pep Guardiola's dominant passing side grabbed the lead at the Etihad when Spain midfielder Rodri prodded the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the visiting area via Phil Foden's lovely little pass on 14 minutes.

Foden was again involved as he raced onto a delightful ball from substitute Oscar Bobb to cross for Alverez to add the second in sealing the three points on 61 minutes.

The dominant victory for City – who enjoyed well over 80% of possession in victory – ended a three-match winless run at home in the league after draws with Liverpool, Tottenham and Crystal Palace before their 4-0 drubbing of Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup final in Saudi Arabia.

They also welcomed back Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne to their squad, but he remained an unused substitute after returning for the first time since the opening match of the campaign due to a hamstring problem.

After parading the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup trophies before kick-off, Guardiola's men are third in the table, above Arsenal on goal difference, and will begin 2024 breathing down the neck of leaders Liverpool and Aston Villa at the halfway stage of the campaign.

They begin their defence of the FA Cup against Championship team Huddersfield at home in the third round next Saturday before visiting Newcastle in their next Premier League outing on January 13.

Chris Wilder's Sheffield United side – who visit League Two Gillingham in the FA Cup on Saturday – remain bottom of the table with nine points from 20 matches before they host West Ham on January 21.

Apart from their dominance in claiming the three points, the sight of Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne warming up on the touchline sent the home fans into a state of delirium when he emerged from the home technical area with City two ahead.

He did not appear in the match, but his availability for the second half of the season after a lengthy hamstring injury could be pivotal for the Premier League champions as they chase further riches at home and abroad.

Pep Guardiola has hinted at a possible return against Newcastle United in a fortnight.

"He came for the trophies today for the picture, to be here and realise when to warm up and how the people support him and look forward to seeing him again," said the City manager. "Maybe Newcastle he will be ready."

Seemed to enjoy more time and space the longer the game progressed, involved in both goals and unlucky not to add a third of his own in the second half.

Another exceptional display both in terms of elusive creativity and supporting Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic and Rodri as City dominated the ball in the middle of the pitch.

Manchester City: Ederson 7, Walker 7, Ake 7, Akanji 7, Gvardiol 7, Rodri 8, Kovacic 7, Silva 8, Foden 8, Grealish 7, Alvarez 8 Subs: Dias 6, Bobb 7, Lewis 7

Sheffield Utd: Foderingham 7, Bogle 7, Baldock 6, Robinson 6, Trusty 7, Thomas 6, Norwood 6, Souza 6, Ben Slimane 6, Brooks 6, Osula 6 Subs: Brewster 6, Archer 6, Osborn 6, Norrington-Davies 6

14' GOAL FOR CITY! (RODRI) And just like that, City have the lead. Rodri bounds into space before sending a lovely shot low into the corner of the net from the Foden pass. No chance for Foderingham in goal. The old toe poke from the Spanish player. 1-0 to the champions.

21' UNITED KEEPER TO THE RESCUE Wes Foderingham dives low to his right to claw out the Silva shot. That was heading into the net. More lovely play by Foden in the passing build-up.

41' UNITED WITH A RARE ATTACK William Osula sees a shot blocked by Akanji in the City box before the header from the corner is easily held by Ederson.

58' FODERINGHAM WITH A CRUCIAL STOP Races out of his goal to greet Foden and claw the ball away from his feet as he tried to round him before Alvarez slashes a shot well wide of the United goal seconds later. Still 1-0 heading for the hour-mark.

61' GOAL FOR CITY! (ALVAREZ) A brilliant move and finish for City as Alvarez adds the second on his 50th Premier League appearance. Bobb picks out Foden whose cross is tucked home by Alvarez. Lovely goal. And it is 2-0.

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