Kevin De Bruyne reaction hints at what comes next for Man City

Can we talk about Rodri?

It's been a bit awkward at times this season for the man who scored in Istanbul and earned that chant (on top of the Champions League final and Treble) as he has struggled to live up to the superhuman standards he has set. The Spaniard has missed four games through suspension this season and has looked leggy in others as he has been flogged again given Pep Guardiola still cannot visualise Kalvin Phillips in his team; as recently as Wednesday, Rodri had recovered from a bad knock in the Club World Cup final to start at Goodison Park, yet seemed knackered and uncharacteristically gave the ball away for Everton's goal.

The man for Manchester City's biggest occasion has not lost his sense of it though, and it was a fitting end to his and the team's year that it was Rodri who strode forward confidently after Phil Foden's touch had fallen to him and leathered in the opening goal. What a player, what a team, and what a 12 months.

ALSO READ: Man City player ratings vs Sheffield United

ALSO READ: Why Kevin De Bruyne is on Man City bench despite not being ready

Those who watch City religiously will know just how good Rodri has been for so long, and any claims that Declan Rice is better are still so silly - remember a year ago when Casemiro was getting rave reviews?! - up against someone who has been so instrumental to incredible success. However, Blues will also know from this season that taking a 1-0 lead at the Etihad isn't the automatic three points it was for much of Guardiola's time here.

Thankfully for the vast majority inside the stadium, this was one of those days where City dominated from start to finish. Any glimpses of getting back into the game for Sheffield United were snuffed out by