Manchester City moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a narrow victory over bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United.
Gabriel Jesus scored the only goal of the game after nine minutes, firing home from close range after fine work from Ferran Torres.
Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession at Etihad Stadium but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities after Jesus’ early strike.
Sheffield United had arrived at the Etihad on the back off their shock 2-1 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United and delivered another solid and organised display.
City had over 75% possession but struggled to create many real openings although Sheffield keeper Aaron Ramsdale did well in the 72nd minute to keep out a fine drive from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Aymeric Laporte’s effort a minute later.
The Yorkshire side, still rooted to the foot of the table on eight points, went close to an equaliser with a late John Fleck drive that flashed past the post.
Ramsdale did well again to keep out a Jesus effort in stoppage time as City had to settle for a single goal victory – Guardiola’s 500th victory as a manager.
But the Blues’ defensive strength was again on show. Pep Guardiola’s side have now kept five clean sheets in a row in the Premier League and an impressive 11 out of 13.
