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Manchester City 2-1 Southampton: Premier League – Three Takeaway thoughts from the match

By Alastair Case

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Jack Stephens of Southampton celebrates his teams first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Jack Stephens of Southampton celebrates his teams first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton salutes the crowd after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton salutes the crowd after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

Southampton need to use their performance as a springboard for the campaign

What a difference a week makes. Last week Southampton were licking their wounds following the humiliating defeat at home to the Foxes. This week by contrast, Saints fans will be heartened by the efforts of the players at one of the hardest grounds to play at.

Critics will point to the fact Southampton left empty handed after having just 24% of possession throughout the game (source: BBC Sport). Yet when the staff and players have time to reflect on their exertions in Manchester, one suspects this might not feel like a defeat. The emphasis is now on Hasenhuttl to use this to motivate his players to reverse their fortunes and catapult the team back up the league.

This season is not over by any stretch of the imagination. There is no doubting that Saints have made a stuttering start to this campaign and have lacked the cohesion, particularly when compared to the likes of a Sheffield United or Aston Villa. Yet with Everton, Watford and Norwich to come in the next four games at St Mary’s, there is an opportunity for Southampton to pick up some long overdue points.