Sergio Aguero scored his sixth goal in his last three games as Manchester City edged a determined Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield looked on course to claim a hugely creditable draw against the reigning Premier League champions. Dean Henderson saved Gabriel Jesus’ penalty in the first half as well as making strings of excellent saves.
However, City still had some energy reserved in Sergio Aguero. The Argentine international came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 73rd minute. He tapped in a cross from Kevin de Bruyne.
Aguero’s strike came moments after Sheffield United came close to taking the lead themselves. Ole McBurnie stretched to meet a cross but failed to turn the ball into an empty net.
Victory for City means they strengthen their place in the second. They have 51 points, 13 behind Liverpool and 6 ahead of Leicester City.
Aguero earns City the winning goal
Sheffield gave Guardiola plenty to think about. Their discipline and organized defense frustrated City for over an hour.
In the end, Guardiola had no choice but to turn to the ever-reliable Aguero. At 31, the Argentine international is in the twilight years of his football career. Despite that fact, he is arguably enjoying some of his best forms.
It took Aguero six minutes to get on the scoresheet after coming on for Gabriel Jesus who struggled to get the better of the Sheffield defense.
His winning goal marked his 21st in 23 appearances in all competitions this season. However, the league title may be increasingly out of reach for City.
“We knew it would be a difficult place to come. We concede one or two clear chances, nothing more than that.”
“In the first half, the keeper was excellent with the penalty and two incredible saves. It was an incredibly good victory for us to take a step towards securing Champion League football next season.”
“We were a little bit shy to play in the first half. But in the second half, we were a little bit more like we are. However, we controlled it well-the chances to score goals.”
“What Sheffield United do, they do it perfectly, they have been together for five years so their spirit is good. They are so good at the second balls and arrive with a lot of people in the final third.”