Man City backed as Premier League favourites after ‘mental challenge’

In the Premier League, Manchester City defeated Sheffield United 2-0 to get closer to the top of the table.

The players from Sheffield United were left lamenting a wasted opportunity against the Premier League champions.

After winning just one of their last six league games before departing for the Club World Cup two weeks ago, Manchester City has improved since winning the world championship, defeating Sheffield United and Everton to reclaim the top spot. While City was in Saudi Arabia, Arsenal and Liverpool had the chance to extend their leads to double figures; nonetheless, the Blues will enter 2024 one victory shy of the summit.

Sheffield United, who are fighting for their life at the other end of the table, were unable to make any progress at the Etihad after losing to fellow struggling team Luton at home in a late reversal. Though they only trailed 1-0 at the break, William Osula did find space in the box to shoot, and the fact that City could only muster one more meant that the visitors could depart Manchester with pride.

“We can’t say we’re happy, but there were times when we played against the team that, in my opinion, is the best in the world, and for that we should be proud. As a football fan, I watch them every time they’re on TV,” defender George Baldock remarked.

They are the greatest team in the world, in my view, and they have the best management and players in the world. For any squad looking to play complete football, they put forth a plan.

“I don’t think we showed them too much respect, but you should be aware that showing them disrespect can lead to consequences—four, five, or six. There are instances when you have to confine them.

They have the best players and management in the world, and they are, in my opinion, the best team in the world. They presented a method for any team hoping to play total football.

“I don’t think we treated them badly, but you should know that disrespecting them can have four, five, or even six negative effects. Sometimes you have to keep them confined.

Baldock recalls the heights that City and Liverpool were able to achieve during Sheffield United’s Premier League tenure from 2019 to 2021, and he believes that the Blues are still the club to beat this year despite fierce opposition. Arsenal and Liverpool will need to withstand the mental struggle that lasts for 90 minutes across 38 games for each of City’s opponents if they are to unseat the champions.

“Rodri scored a brilliant goal in the first, then we let a runner go in the second. It’s preventing them from entering these regions,” Baldock remarked. “It’s as good as a goal when they get there, and that turned out to be the case. You have to prevent them from obtaining such spots while you play City.

It requires greater mental energy. The game against Luton was [prior] and I ran more, but this one is so mentally taxing that you come out of it weary.

“It’s the focus, needing to focus on your line; if you give these players enough time and room, they will come for you. Moving across physically as well, but more so intellectually.

“It was close between them and Liverpool during our first season back in the Premier League. They have been the team to beat ever since.”