It was a disappointing result for Haenhuttl and the team on Sunday against a Man City side that did not look their best.
After equalizing from a Hojbjerg strike, Southampton looked poised to take the lead as they were playing the better football. But, after a no-penalty call the blue side of Manchester went straight down the pitch and scored their second off a deflection from James Ward-Prowse. After that, the game was wrapped up right before halftime when Aguero put the away side up two going into the second half.
Neither side seemed to push very hard for chances in the second but it did get a little chippy. Kompany, went flying into some tackles that saw him get a yellow card and most notable just after the 80th, Hojbjerg, let his emotions get the best of him and slide into Fernandinho and saw straight red.
All that resulted in a 1-3 defeat for the home side. There were a few good performances for the Red and White so let us take a look at those.
More from Saints Marching
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
- It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
- Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
- A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Despite the red card, his second of the season, Hojbjerg was the best player on the pitch for the Saints. His performance makes you wonder what the result of the West Ham match would have been if he was able to play for that one.
Now he will miss a number of matches coming up and the Saints are worst off for it. He played such a strong match but again he let his emotions get the best of him and it cost, not only him, but the team. He has proven that he is a vital part of the team and that will be evident in the matches coming up.
Oriol Romeu
The resurgence of the Spaniard has been a great sight for Saint fans. He is flying around the pitch in the center making tackles, pressuring the ball, and making interceptions. This is the player we say two seasons ago who won fans player of the season.
Now with Hojbjerg missing the matches he will have a shot at continuing to start and prove himself to the new manager. If he continues in this form he will continue to start when Hojbjerg comes back and Lemina may be the odd man out.
Jan Bednarek
The young Polish defender once again showed he might already be out best centre-back. His only real negative moment came on the third goal when he lost Aguero and allowed the much smaller striker get a free header from a short range.
Other than that he shows he has extreme confidence in himself and will take on anybody. He also showed he can be a leader on the pitch. Showing emotion and rallying the guys together to play better and push for a goal.