Southampton 1-3 Manchester City: Saints lose to rejuvenated City

Southampton were undone by a three minute span just before half time, losing 3-1 to Machester City who still don’t look at their best.

Kayne Ramsay received his debut at right centre-back as Southampton kept their five at the back  shape.  Jack Stephens received a start in place for Maya Yoshida, and Jannik Vestergaard was left out of the side entirely.

Charlie Austin, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg were pushed forward to attack. As the preferred front three of Nathan Redmond, Danny Ings, and Stuart Armstrong were all on the bench, likely for rest.

Alex McCarthy was tested early as Stephens appeared to lack game time and was indecisive clearing a ball destined for Raheem Sterling.

Southampton had their first real chance as Hojbjerg started a counter attack.  Elyounoussi played a nice pass over the top of the City defence finding Charlie Austin, who was very unsure of himself all alone with the keeper.  Sixty-five seconds later, City would have their lead.

A 10th minute goal by David Silva, the result of poor 2v2 defending from Matt Targett and Mario Lemina.  Bernardo Silva ran in behind the Saints’ defenders and played a beautiful outside of the foot pass to his teammate, for a first time finish.

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The next real opportunity would stem from beautiful build out play from City’s own penalty box.  A tactic they clearly made priority on Sunday.  Fernadinho sprung Rihad Mahrez who carried the ball 40 yards before surprisingly flashing the ball wide.

Southampton had a very difficult time holding the ball for extended periods of the first half, and Alex McCarthy came up with two very big saves.  One from point blank range on Sergio Aguero.  However, the City striker earned an early yellow card, handing Southampton a true set piece threat in the 31st minute.  A Saints’ corner followed in which City goalkeeper Ederson was forced to make a fantastic save to keep out Charlie Austin’s header to the far post.

City’s intent on building out of the back would end up costing them in the 37th minute.  A Hasenhuttl press proved effective as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg caught Zinchenko on the ball and the Dane took it upon himself to smash it in to the top corner, equalising at 1-1.

Maybe the deciding moment of the game came In the 43rd minute. Jack Stephens clipped a perfect pass over the City defence to Ward-Prowse who was taken down from behind by Zinchenko and denied a spot kick.  Less than a minute later, Ward-Prowse would unfortunately deflect a Raheem Sterling cross into the back of his own net. Harshly penalising the Saints, who had grown into the game, just before the half.

City were not waiting for the whistle however, and added to Southampton’s misery.  Aguero headed home a Zinchenko cross, as the Argentinian striker played off the back of Jan Bednarek, sending City to a 3-1 half time lead.

Nathan Redmond was brought on to start the second period in place of Mario Lemina, who is possibly still nursing a stomach injury.

City held most of the possession for the first 10 minutes, but the Saints’ defence held firm.  Sterling did find himself one on one with the Southampton goalkeeper, but McCarthy stood strong, making a tough save with his head.

Yan Valery was Ralph Hasenhuttl’s second substitution in the 58th minute as Charlie Austin earned himself a yellow card.  Oriol Romeu was removed as Ward-Prowse moved into the centre of the park. Valery took his normal position at right wing-back.

As play restarted Aguero wasted no time and rattled the Southampton bar with a quick strike.

Sterling had a penalty shout of his own in the 65th minute as he tested newly inserted Valery.  However, the referee again decided against an infraction and allowed play to continue.

Shane Long was the third and final change, taking over for Charlie Austin in the 68th minute, who had literally run his course.

Southampton had a real chance in the 72nd minute on a clipped cross from the left side.  However, it started a City break on the other end, which Jan Bednarek broke up by taking a yellow card with a purpose.  This also marked the end of the game for Aguero who was replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

An 80th minute City end-to-end break put Mahrez in on McCarthy, but again the Southampton goalkeeper stood strong.  This would be the final impactful play for Mahrez as he was subbed a few minutes later for Leroy Sane.

Maybe the worst part of the Southampton result was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s straight red card in the 86th minute for a hard tackle on Fernandinho.  This means the Saints’ leader, who was having a great game, will now face a three match ban with key fixtures on the way.

While reduced to 10 men, City played a simple game on keep-away to see the game out.  Ending their two game losing streak and regaining form ahead of their battle with Liverpool.

Shane Long did win a set piece, but missed the ensuing header, which still was likely no more than a consolation prize.

Southampton saw a lot of teams around them gain points this weekend, and are facing a trip to Chelsea midweek.  They may have felt hard done by the result today, but need to look ahead with some clear progress under Ralph Hasenhuttl.