Manchester City beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Etihad Stadium to reduce the gap between them and Premier League leaders Liverpool to two points.
Rodri gave the defending champions an early breakthrough when he latched on to Phil Foden’s neat pass and fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the area in the 14th minute.
The Blades’ packed defence meant City had to wait to add a second, but Foden was the provider again when it arrived midway through the second half, with his low cross despatched by Julian Alvarez in the 61st minute.
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City, who were crowned FIFA Club World Cup winners before Christmas, displayed all five of the major trophies they won in 2023 on the pitch before kick-off.
Kevin De Bruyne returned to Pep Guariola’s lineup after a lengthy time off due to injury.
The Belgium midfielder did not make it onto the pitch for City this time, but the sight of him warming up on the touchline in the second half brought huge cheers from the home fans.
Chris Wilder’s side remain bottom of the table, and without an away win this season.
Other results
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton
Wolves ended the year on a high with an impressive Premier League victory over lacklustre Everton.
Manager Gary O’Neil has made his mark on the hosts, who lie in 11th position, just three points shy of a European place, since taking over in the summer.
Wolves took the lead on 25 minutes when skipper Max Kilman bundled in from close range after Jordan Pickford initially made a sharp save from team-mate Jarrad Branthwaite’s wayward clearance.
It was the only effort on target in the first half, and the hosts celebrated by holding up Mario Lemina’s shirt in memory of the midfielder’s father, who died on Friday.
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The home side added a second on 53 minutes when Hwang Hee-chan picked out an easy finish for Matheus Cunha at the far post, and the Brazilian then turned provider when Craig Dawson poked home a low cross.
Everton have now suffered three straight defeats, leaving them only one point above the relegation zone.
Crystal Palace vs Brentford
Michael Olise’s double helped Crystal Palace to a crucial Premier League victory over Brentford, which will ease the pressure on boss Roy Hodgson.
Keane Lewis-Potter gave Brentford an early lead, but Olise equalised shortly after with a stylish volley.
Eberechi Eze put Palace ahead before Olise increased the margin of victory after the break with a solo effort.
The win sees Palace end a run of eight games without victory as Brentford slip to their fifth consecutive league defeat.
Aston Villa vs Burnley
Aston Villa moved level with Premier League leaders Liverpool as a late Douglas Luiz penalty secured victory against 10-man Burnley.
The Brazil midfielder converted from the penalty spot in the 89th minute after Jhon Duran was fouled by former Villa player Aaron Ramsey.
Burnley had twice come from behind in the game, with Lyle Foster scoring their second equaliser despite the visitors being reduced to 10 men following Sander Berge’s second yellow card.
Moussa Diaby put Villa ahead again on 42 minutes after Leon Bailey’s opener for Villa had been cancelled out by an almost immediate equaliser by Zeki Amdouni.
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The victory moves Villa onto 42 points and behind Liverpool only on goal difference, with the Reds set to host Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.
Villa recorded a 32nd victory in league and cup matches this calendar year, surpassing the previous club record set in 1977.
