Man City backed as Premier League favourites after 'mental challenge'

Sheffield United players were left ruing a missed half chance against the team they expect to win the Premier League.

Manchester City left for the Club World Cup a fortnight ago with just one win in six league games, yet have kicked on from being crowned world champions with wins against Everton and Sheffield United to move back towards the top of the table. While Arsenal and Liverpool had the opportunity to stretch their lead to double figures while City were in Saudi Arabia, instead the Blues will head into 2024 within one win of the summit.

Sheffield United are battling for their survival at the other end of the table, and after suffering a late turnaround at home to fellow strugglers Luton they were unable to claim anything at the Etihad. However, William Osula did find space in the box to get a shot away in the first half when they only trailed 1-0 and the fact that City were only able to get one more meant that the visitors left Manchester with their heads held high.

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"It’s hard to say we are satisfied but there were moments we can be proud of playing against what I think is the best team in the world. I watch them every time they are on TV purely as a football fan," said defender George Baldock.

"In my opinion, they’ve got the best manager and players in the world and they’re the best team in the world. They set a blueprint for any team that wants to play total football.

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

"They had the ball all game and were in total