Sheffield United players were left cursing a wasted half-chance against the Premier League champions.

Manchester City went into the Club World Cup with just one win in six league games, but have since rebounded with victories over Everton and Sheffield United to reclaim first place in the rankings. While Arsenal and Liverpool had the chance to extend their advantage to double figures while City were in Saudi Arabia, the Blues will instead enter 2024 within one win of the top spot.

At the other end of the table, Sheffield United are fighting for their lives, and after a late reversal at home to fellow strugglers Luton Town, they were unable to claim anything at the Etihad. However, William Osula did find space in the area to get a shot away in the first half when they were only down 1-0, and the fact that City could only get one more meant that the visitors departed Manchester with their heads held high.

“It’s difficult to say we’re satisfied, but there were moments when we could be proud of ourselves for playing against what I believe to be the best team in the world.” “I watch them every time they’re on TV as a football fan,” defender George Baldock said.

“They have the best manager and players in the world, and they are the best team in the world, in my opinion.” They establish the groundwork for any squad that wants to play total football.

“I don’t think we respected them too much – but you know how you can get done [by] four, five, six if you disrespect them.” You have to sit in and limit them at times.

“They had the ball the entire game and were completely in control of the game, but we kept our structure and kept going.” It’s crazy, but with a 1-0 lead, we had a terrific chance to equalize, and you never know.

“Like their game against Palace here, everyone thought they were doomed, but they get a chance to change the game.” I imagine they had roughly eight defenders on the pitch when they played Palace.”

Baldock recalls the heights City and Liverpool attained during Sheffield United’s time in the Premier League between 2019 and 2021, and believes the Blues are the team to beat this season, despite stiff competition. If Arsenal or Liverpool are to dethrone City, they must overcome the mental fight that each of City’s opponents faces across 90 minutes in 38 games.

“The first goal is a quality moment from Rodri, and the second is that we let a runner go.” It’s preventing them from entering these locations,” explained Baldock. “When they get into those areas, it’s as good as a goal – and that’s exactly what happened.” When you play City, you must prevent them from getting into certain places.

“It’s more mentally exhausting.” I ran more in the previous game against Luton, but you come out of this one fatigued because it’s so mentally hard.

“It’s the concentration, having to concentrate on your line – if you give these players time and space, they’ll pick you up.” So, physically, shuffling on the floor, but more mentally.

“It was tight with them and Liverpool in our first season back in the Premier League.” They’ve been the squad to beat since then.”