Author: Soorya G
Sheffield United – Man City – 1:2
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City maintained their unbeaten run at the start of the new league season with a somewhat atypical performance, as the Cityzens struggled to beat Sheffield United away from home. A late goal from Champions League hero Rodri saw the nine-time Premier League winners overcome their rivals and come away with all three points. In the absence of coach Pep Guardiola, who is currently undergoing treatment for a health problem, interim coach Juan Manuel Lillo managed to lead his troops to glory that took them to the top of the standings.
Erling Haaland scored once again, but his missed penalty in the first half was one of the main talking points. Despite the defeat, Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom will be pleased with his team as they showed grit and determination to hold off the dominant champions for so long.
After kick-off at Bramall Lane, Manchester City took control of proceedings, in terms of possession and overall momentum. The European champions on Sunday lined up in a more traditional 4-3-3 formation that sometimes turned into a 4-2-3-1, with Mateo Kovacic and Rodri forming the pivot. Argentina’s World Cup winner Julian Alvarez took the central role, while Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva played on either flank.
The flamboyant Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson started in goal. In the first quarter of an hour, City had already threatened the Sheffield goal five times, with Erling Haaland trying three times early on. However, the hosts’ defensive organization was solid and thus prevented concessions at the start of the game. However, it was towards the end of the first half that City came close to scoring, with Alvarez missing a great chance, Haaland hitting the post from the penalty spot and Grealish missing what should have been a sure goal, as the two teams were inseparable at half-time.
In the second period, Haaland saw another great chance go begging, but he made up for it with a clever header into the net to level the scores in the 63rd minute. In the 71st minute, his goal was disallowed for offside.
With five minutes remaining, England defender Jayden Bogle’s stunning strike beat Ederson to the far post and restored equality, before Rodri’s rocket into the top corner cooled Sheffield United’s hopes of a point. Note that Ederson received the lowest score in his team. That’s logical. The team hit him on target just twice, but he couldn’t save. As part of the hosts, Brazilian Viny Souza played 90 minutes and received a yellow card.
Newcastle – Liverpool – 1:2
Just WOW, @Alissonbecker 👏 pic.twitter.com/YpNFEVk5pD
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 28, 2023
Newcastle United suffered their second defeat in a row against Liverpool, who pulled off an extraordinary comeback to beat the Magpies. Newcastle were nowhere near their best on Sunday, but they still looked very threatening on the counter-attack. The excellent organization of Newcastle’s midfield, which included a Brazilian duo of Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, as well as Sandro Tonali, forced a mistake from Trent Alexander-Arnold, who slipped, allowing Anthony Gordon to run towards goal (in the 25th minute) and calmly finish past Alisson, the Seleção’s first-choice keeper.
To make matters worse, Virgil Van Dijk’s clumsy challenge on Alexander Isak (in the 28th minute) warranted a sending off, before Newcastle filled the Liverpool net with shots. Paraguayan sensation Miguel Almiron was brilliant, but was unlucky not to have his name on the scoresheet, despite three exceptional attempts, one of which was saved by Liverpool’s Brazilian number one, and the other two hitting the post.
What a finish! 🤩
A superb equaliser celebrated in style by Darwin… #NEWLIV pic.twitter.com/zd7JIfI444
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 27, 2023
DARWINNN 😍
The moment Nunez secured all three points at St James’ Park 👌 #NEWLIV pic.twitter.com/kPQD9XCSJO
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 27, 2023
In the 77th minute, Klopp released Nunez onto the pitch. Four minutes later, he received a pass from Jota and shot low into the far corner. The ball from the crossbar went into the goal – 1:1. In the 93rd minute, the Uruguayan took advantage of Salah’s pass and brought Liverpool a strong-willed victory – 1-2.
Burnley – Aston Villa – 1:3
In the winning line-up, Brazilian defender Diego Carlos played the entire match, while Douglas Luiz played 86 minutes. The injured Coutinho was not on the list. The hosts left Vitinio in reserve.