Manchester City 1-0 Sheffield United: 5 talking points as Cityzens extend lead at the top | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Sheffield United finding form at the right time

Chriss Wilder has to keep motivating his side despite the defeat to Manchester City.

Chris Wilder's Sheffield United might only have eight points after 20 matches, but they defended very well once again and frustrated Manchester City on their own turf.

Despite not picking up any points from the match, they do have a lot of positives to take from it. If they can hold Manchester City to just one goal, they should fancy their chances to keep a clean-sheet against most other offences in the league.

Of course, they would need to find some inspiration at the other end of the field, and soon. If they manage to do that, they might just have a shot at surviving the drop.

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#2 Aaron Ramsdale could be Sheffield United's saviour

Sheffield United are in dire need of a hero to save them from relegation, and it could well be their young goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The former Bournemouth man was in sensational form against Manchester City, as he thwarted away some goal-bound shots in stunning fashion.

Brilliant Rammers. 👏 pic.twitter.com/TpcV3W0BDY

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) January 30, 2021

Ramsdale only has one clean-sheet to his name so far. But if the Blades are to have any chance of surviving the drop, that number needs to rise dramatically during the rest of their campaign.

Nevertheless, the 22-year-old his doing his part, to say the least.

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#1 Manchester City's experience sets them apart from the rest

Fernandinho's experience and leadership in the middle of the park was crucial.

On paper, there wasn't much difference between Sheffield United's performance in their win against Manchester United and in this loss against Manchester City.

The Cityzens, much like the Red Devils, were far from their best against Chris Wilder's men, yet they managed to collect all three points. The difference between the two squads is the plethora of experience that City have of being in a similar situation in previous seasons.

It is this experience, exuded by the likes of Fernandinho, Ruben Dias and Ilkay Gundogan among others, that proved crucial in Manchester City not dropping points against Sheffield United.

It is this very factor that could push them over the line as opposed to their rivals Manchester United.

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