Manchester City were greeted with the five trophies they have won in 2023 when they stepped out onto the pitch for their final game of 2023 against Sheffield United, and the procession continued for 90 minutes, with Rodri acting as chief flag bearer.

The Spaniard scored City’s opening goal practically by himself, winning the ball back, racing towards the edge of the box and then bending a delightful shot into the bottom corner.

City never looked in danger of losing their lead as they had against Crystal Palace in their last home game, but a proactive substitution by Pep Guardiola ensured they stayed extra-motivated. Off came the sluggish Jack Grealish and on came the livewire Oscar Bobb, who sparked the move for the second goal with a perfectly-weighted pass which Phil Foden helped Julian Alvarez guide into the net.

The sight of the soon-to-return Kevin De Bruyne warming up further lifted City’s fans, giving them plenty of hope for their charge towards an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title in 2024.

Here are the player ratings from the Etihad Stadium…

Ederson (6/10):

Was kept busier than he might have imagined in the first half but dealt with it well.

Kyle Walker (6/10):

His passing was a little sloppy but got forward a lot and created his share of danger

Manuel Akanji (7/10):

Much improved on his recent performances. His ball forward helped set up Rodri’s goal and he made a crucial block on Osula’s shot.

Nathan Ake (6/10):

Formed a solid partnership with Akanji after shifting over from left-back in the last game. Never looked flustered in his duties as last man clearing up any potential danger

Josko Gvardiol (6/10):

Looks more like a City player with each game, but still overcooking passes.

Bernardo Silva (6/10):

Good without being great. Missed a decent chance to score and was barged off the ball a few times.

Rodri (8/10):

At his very best. Taking responsibility for scoring and more forward moves when he wasn’t orchestrating the play.

He bossing the midfield and always offering an outlet for the ball wherever it popped up

Mateo Kovacic (6/10):

A mostly polished performance, let down by him giving the ball away in attack and then getting booked in his own half as he tried to recover possession

Phil Foden (8/10):

Brilliant again. Dictated the pace of the game and was incisive, delivering a perfect pass for Alvarez to clinch the points.

Involved in both goals and always looking to get on the ball and influence the game, taking responsibility for creating chances

Julian Alvarez (6/10):

Worked tirelessly but continued to frustrate his team-mates with wasteful play. Despite that, scored his fourth goal in three games, albeit a tap-in.

Jack Grealish (5/10):

Not his usual self, made too many poor decisions in the final third and came off early, perhaps unsurprisingly after the trauma of his house being broken into.

Subs

Oscar Bobb (7/10):

Much better than Grealish and produced a majestic piece of play in the build-up for the second goal.

Ruben Dias (6/10):

Ensured the Blades were never a threat in the latter stages.

Rico Lewis (6/10):

Useful in both halves of the pitch when he came on.