Kyle Walker scored in the first-half and it was enough for Manchester City to beat Sheffield United 1-0 in an English Premier League football today game at Bramall Lane.
http://gty.im/1229373181Walker, a Sheffield United academy product, where he tallied 35 first-team appearances over two spells, struck the only goal on the day in the 28th minute and the citizens went on to secure all three points and won four consecutive league games against the Blades for the first time since March 1930.
Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne played a key pass to the incoming Walker at the top of the area and the right-back’s shot skimmed past the fingertips of Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and into the bottom corner.
Walker did not celebrate against his childhood club.
“His goal helps us a lot but not just the goal,” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said about Walker. “The fact his concentration, he understands every day better what he has to do.
“His physicality, he plays almost all the minutes. He scored against a team he loves. He’s a Sheffield United supporter.
“He always supports them in locker room – I remember their play off final! Come on Sheffield!
Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made a number of saves to deny the visitors and the Blades were an improved side in the second half.
Manchester City defenders also had a productive performance and Walker was full of praise for them.
“They’re well drilled,” he said about the center backs. “Everyone knows their position and they’re a tough team to break down, but luckily enough I came up with the goal.
“I’m enjoying my football. We don’t sit back and defend. We want to score three or four, but it’s great to get the clean sheet on the board as well.”
Walker added: “Defensively we’ve done fantastically well, especially Ruben [Dias] since he’s come in. Whoever steps in, they’re all going to put in top performances.
“There was always going to be a hangover [from last season]. It’s just what we’re dealing with at this moment in time.”
http://gty.im/1229374820Saturday’s defeat means Sheffield United are still without a Premier League win this season and they remain in 19th place with one point.
Today’s victory moves Manchester City into seventh ahead of the remaining weekend’s games.
“We played really well,” Guardiola said. “We struggled to score goals with the chances we create – 16 shots, eight on target, that’s a lot against this team.
“When we couldn’t do it, they then send long balls and crosses and they had chances, but we are satisfied.
“It’s the third game in seven days, all away. We are in a better position now.
“Two more games before international break and we move on.”
