It’s the close of a remarkable year at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City sealed a season defined by dominance with five trophies to their name, including a recent Club World Cup triumph. In a debut in the Shield jersey, the light blue side logged a comfortable 2-0 win over relegation battlers Sheffield United, making the most of the occasion as Kevin De Bruyne warmed up on the wing. The match marked a confident return to form since the Champions League final on June 10.
De Bruyne came off the bench not long after Julián Álvarez found the net to seal the scoreline. An excellent cross from Phil Foden in the 61st minute found the far post and finished in the empty goal. The Etihad erupted in applause for the Belgian, who joined in the moment with a few celebratory chants of his own teammates’ combinations, shouting a spirited “olé, olé.” City controlled possession with a dominant 84 percent at times, cooling slightly to finish around 82 percent. Sheffield Uyed their best to stay in the game, setting up a compact 5-4-1 shape that limited City’s chances but could not derail their status as five-time champions.
City set a measured pace early as Rodri opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a precise low drive from the edge of the box after winning space in midfield. The goal unsettled Sheffield United, who anchored themselves behind the ball rather than chase a risky equalizer. City’s defense remained solid, as they have conceded in only eight Premier League matches, with the last three home games finishing in draws. In the 88th minute, Jayden Bogle delivered a cross that collided with Josko Gvardiol, underscoring the tension late in the game. Although De Bruyne warmed up and fans waited expectantly for his appearance, he did not take the field again. The day also saw appearances from Oskar Bobb, Ruben Dias, and Rico Lewis as City looked ahead to bigger challenges requiring De Bruyne’s renewed influence after hamstring surgery in August.
Relief for Chelsea
Chelsea breathed a sigh of relief as the year closed with a tense finish against Luton. Referee calls and late drama gave Mauricio Pochettino’s side a decisive 3-0 victory, sealed by a early goal from Cole Porter and a pair of set-piece finishes from Roos Barkley (in the 80th minute) and Elijah Adebayo (in the 87th). The result revived hope for the season in west London, especially for a team chasing stability and a clear path back to consistency at the top of the table.
The win offered a clear contrast to recent frustration, with Chelsea drawing confidence from recent results against perennial rivals while also acknowledging the pressure to climb higher than their current position. The year did not lack its share of tough moments, but this performance suggested the squad was ready to push harder in the new year. The club’s supporters were reminded that resilience and steady improvement can turn a challenging fixture into a turning point, a feeling echoed by players who spoke about sharpening focus and execution with every training session.
As the campaign moved toward its mid-season phase, the Blues took pride in closing the year strongly while opponents like Wolverhampton and others looked to test their resolve. The narrative remained clear: a club with a storied history was assembling the pieces for a sustained push back toward the upper echelons of English football. This reflective moment in late December underlined the broader themes of the season—discipline in defense, potency in attack, and a renewed sense of purpose across the squad.
Overall, the results provided a snapshot of two big clubs navigating the complexities of a long season. City’s unquestionably deep squad and tactical flexibility continued to be a benchmark, while Chelsea’s renewed vigor hinted at a brighter horizon. Fans and pundits alike watched closely as the calendar turned, anticipating the pivotal matches that would shape the title race and determine whether either side could translate winter momentum into sustained success through the new year.