By Victor Kanayo
Manchester City on Sunday edged Sheffield United 2-1 to maintain their 100% start to the Premier League campaign.
The victory ensured that they extended their unbeaten record to nine games – seven wins, two draws.
It was an encounter that goal poacher, Erling Haaland, missed crucial penalty that would have cost his side the match.
Another City Cruise
City dominated possession and thought they’d taken the lead in the 20th minute, only for Nathan Aké’s opportunistic finish to be ruled out for an offside in the build-up.
With half time approaching, Julián Álvarez saw his cut-back handled by the sliding John Egan, presenting Haaland with the chance to convert from the spot. Despite sending Wes Foderingham the wrong way, last season’s Premier League top scorer couldn’t direct his shot on target, hitting the post to keep the scores level at the break.
The contest settled into a familiar pattern of play after the interval, yet the champions were finding a goal elusive as Haaland spurned presentable openings either side of Rodri’s dragged effort.
However, even the most optimistic Sheffield fan couldn’t have been too surprised when the visitors finally made their breakthrough. Jack Grealish did brilliantly to engineer some space in the box before standing up a cross for Haaland to thunder in a header at the back post.
Sheffield United were given a reprieve when Haaland’s would-be second goal was flagged offside and looked to capitalise with a first attempt deep into the second half.
The hosts were restricted to scraps for much of the game but an error at the back from Kyle Walker gifted his former side a lifeline, which substitute Jayden Bogle gratefully accepted.
Visibly frustrated, Walker picked himself up to play a part in City’s response, playing a ball into the area which broke nicely for Rodri to thump home.
It was a hot strike proved pivotal as a Pep Guardiola-less City saw out the game to go top of the league table.
Same day, Newcastle succumbed to Liverpool 2-1.
Nigerians’ Mixed Fortune
Earlier in the League games, Nigerians experienced mixed fortunes of outcomes.
Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi scored a goal for Nottingham Forest but Manchester United went ahead to pull a 3-2 victory.
For another Nigerian player, Calvin Bassey, he was shown red card as one of Fulham’s men against Arsenal, a game which eventually ended 2-2 at Emirates.
Other Hostilities
Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Everton 1-0 to compound their woes as Alex Iwobi’s club have lost all three matches so far this season.
Tottenham also humbled Bournemouth 2-0 in what is looking like a season to cherish for Spurs.
