MATCH REPORTS AND PLAYER RATINGS - MANCHESTER CITY 2-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED

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Manchester City capped off their record breaking 2023 in winning fashion with a comfortable 2-0 win against bottom placed Sheffield United, in a game which saw talismanic midfielder Kevin de Bruyne make his return to the matchday squad for the first time since August.

From the first whistle to the very last, City were cruising through the game in second gear, finishing with 82% of possession. They managed the game in exactly the game they wanted to, and limited the Sheffield United chances to just a few glimpses.

The occasion started in spectacular style, as City's starting players walked out into a rapturous Etihad Stadium and were greeted by the five trophies they've won this calendar year; the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and, most recently, the FIFA Club World Cup.

The rest of the squad - including the injured Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and John Stones - joined the starting XI on the pitch to snap a photo with the trophies, which was a very fitting way to signal the end of the greatest year of silverware in City's history.

The Blues started out a little flat - but a moment of magic from Rodri, who picked the ball up in midfield from Phil Foden's lay off, drove into space and slipped the ball in the far corner beyond goalkeeper Wes Foderingham - gave City the lead in the game.

City were fully in control of the game, with their midfielders and attackers probing going forwards and their two centre backs, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji, sweeping up Sheffield's long balls over the top of the defence flawlessly.

But City were unable to create any real chances for the rest of the half. However, considering they already had the lead, manager Pep Guardiola will have been satisfied enough heading into half time, knowing that just a few tweaks were needed to increase their lead in the second period.

As it was, it was a personnel change that earned City their second goal, as Oscar Bobb came on to replace Jack Grealish, who understandably looked out of sorts following the events of midweek, where his house was burgled with family members present whilst he was playing in City's 3-1 victory against Everton.

Bobb played a huge role in the goal with a fantastic slipped through ball from out wide between three defenders to the onrushing Foden. The Englishman took it on the run, before squaring it low across goal for Julian Alvarez to slide in at the back post for his 12th goal of the season.

City played keep ball for the rest of the match, highlighting the gulf in class between the two sides. They didn't really create any chances after the second goal - the match was somewhat reminiscent of the 2-0 win at Old Trafford in 2021, where City "kept the ball in the fridge" for the second half, in the words of Guardiola.

The showing of dominance, mental strength and (the buzz word of 2023) control was a very fitting way for City to round off their year. It was control that saw City win their first ever Champions League, combined with the Premier League and FA Cup, as they found the perfect balance between attack and defence.

It was control provided by those who were crucial in stabilising the team to allow the individual talent of De Bruyne and Haaland to win City games, such as when all four of City's goals at home to Arsenal in April were scored or assisted by either one of them. But they wouldn't have had that expression of freedom had it not been for Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Stones securing the team deeper with safe passes to slow the game down.

Control was often frustrating for supporters, as it led to some fairly dull games. However, control produced a winning machine, and as many supporters found out, a more open game led to some disappointing results, such as the 4-4 draw away to Chelsea and the 3-3 draw at home to Tottenham, where City looked wide open in midfield.

But, with City's recent controlled performances, as well as a run of four wins on the bounce, it hopefully appears that the Blues have got their winning groove back. And with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool all prone to dropping points, City appear to be the one team in the league capable of building some momentum and going on a long unbeaten run, which they could well be at the start of.

It's two weeks before City are back in Premier League action, when they'll face an out of sorts Newcastle United at St James' Park, in what will no doubt still be a difficult game, despite Eddie Howe's job being under threat due to a recent barren run of form.

Before then, however, City's defence of the FA Cup will begin, as they face championship side Huddersfield Town at the Etihad Stadium. This will be a good chance to rest some important players, and allow the squad players a chance to impress in the starting XI.

Here are the player ratings for the final time in 2023:

Ederson - 7/10 - Passed out well from the back, and did his limited goalkeeping responsibilities just fine.

Walker - 6.5/10 - Didn't face much of a threat down his flank. Going forward, he didn't offer a whole lot, but his presence high and wide gave space for Bernardo and Foden inside. Earned himself a 25 minute rest at the end of the game.

Akanji - 8/10 - Swept up on long balls remarkably, and was aggressive against the imposing physical presence of William Osula. Passed the ball, and it was his line breaking ball to Foden that led to the start of the move for the first goal.

Ake - 8/10 - Like Akanji, Ake's recovery running and pace was crucial in stopping Sheffield's direct transitions. He showed remarkable speed to win the race to a long ball a few times when he was certainly second favourite, and when on the ball, he passed it very well as per usual.

Gvardiol - 7.5/10 - Looked a threat charging forward down the left hand side, and showed his excellent technical ability with a few precise and crisp one touch passes. Did his limited amount of defending very well.

Rodri - 9/10 - Dictated the game from the first minute to the last. Rodri knitted everything together in the centre of the park, receiving the ball, carrying it and laying it off to teammates. Played a few nice diagonal passes to Walker, and took his goal in De Bruyne-esque fashion.

Kovacic - 6.5/10 - Gave the ball away cheaply multiple times, which led to Sheffield United counter attacks. However, he had a largely good game, in and out of possession, with his most important work being his partnership with Rodri, that allowed the Spaniard more space and time on the ball in all elements of the pitch.

Bernardo - 6.5/10 - Given a bit of space to roam, Bernardo buzzed around dangerously, but was unable to really create anything. Pressed well and was aggressive winning the ball back, and maybe should've scored in the first half after fine work from Foden.

Foden - 8.5/10 - Once again, Foden was at the heart of City's good creative play. He floated around the pitch, picking up the ball and driving at the heart of Sheffield United, creating something out of nothing numerous times. Had a hand in both goals, but it was his ball across goal for Alvarez's goal that really stood out.

Grealish - 5.5/10 - Not his day unfortunately. Gave the ball away a few times cheaply, and didn't seem to be fully focused, which is perfectly understandable after all his family went through on Wednesday evening. He'll be back in top form soon, that's for sure.

Substitutes:

Bobb - 7.5/10 - A livewire on the left hand side, Bobb has proven with his performances this season so far that he can now be considered a viable squad option. His through pass that took out three defenders in the build up for the second goal is one that very few players in the squad can play, which shows he has something special to add to the already talented pool of players.

Lewis - 6.5/10 - Playing at right back, Lewis tucked into midfield nicely, and moved the ball under pressure very well.

Dias - 7/10 - Very aggressive and tenacious. Stepped forward very well on the right hand side of City's back three, and engaged with the Sheffield forwards superbly high up the pitch when duelling for the ball.