Rodri lauds Man City 'game changer' after win vs Sheffield United

Manchester City midfielder Rodri singled out Phil Foden for praise after his game-changing impact during the 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon. Rodri and Julian Alvarez were on target for City as they resumed their Premier League title charge with three comfortable points at the Etihad Stadium.

Foden provided the assists for both goals as the newly-crowned world champions closed the gap on Liverpool to two points. Aston Villa are sandwiched between them in the table.

City needed 14 minutes to break the deadlock against their rock-bottom opponents and it came when Foden sent Rodri through to finish. The 23-year-old England international then teed up Alvarez in the second half to continue a fine all-round display from the academy graduate.

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Speaking about Foden to Sky Sports during his post-match interview, Rodri said: "I saw a pass between the lines and it's the only way you can punish these types of teams that are so narrow. I thought Phil could set me and then, to be honest, I didn't have the intention to shoot, but they were dropping so I did it.

"Phil has incredible ability to turn that fast. He has this plasticity with the ball, he can turn so quickly. We had to be patient but, when we can find this pass, he's a game changer. He increases the pace, can shoot and pass."

Rodri continued: "We learned from the last game against Crystal Palace, same feeling of controlling the game, but at the end they had chances and we drew it. We had to keep focussing and they [Sheffield United] didn't have the intention to come to us so we had to keep the ball. An important victory."