Manchester City ended the year with a victory.
The Sky Blues defeated Sheffield United 2-0 on Saturday, with goals from Rodri and Julian Alvarez sending the Etihad Stadium faithful happy for one final time in 2023.
It was an expected result given the teams' respective places in the standings, but City manager Pep Guardiola commended the Blades on their stout defending against the reigning Premier League champions.
Guardiola highlighted his team's patience in breaking down such a determined defence as the deciding factor in the match.
"Sometimes you need time, when they defend so deep it's difficult," he told BBC Match of the Day. "We had to be patient and they didn't want to push or press so you have to be calm and do it in the right moment.
"We had the momentum and we did really well."
Guardiola praised his side for getting through a busy period of the schedule in a good position, with the club now able to get a much-needed brief respite until a Jan. 7 FA Cup match against Huddersfield Town.
"So tight - we're not top of the league, Liverpool are better," Guardiola said. "We've had injuries and some problems, we won the titles, important ones, our level is really good I would say and we are there.
"Now rest, we all need it. January is less intense than November and December so we prepare for what's next."