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

Welcome returns for McCarthy and Armstrong nearly pay dividends

Following some high profile mistakes by Angus Gunn, his manager opted to start Alex McCarthy in the first time in the league since February (source: Sky Sports). Although there were moments of rustiness, McCarthy generally did well in the face of an onslaught from a world class City forward line.

He will be frustrated that the equaliser went through his legs but little criticism can be applied to Southampton shot stopper given the speed and accuracy of Aguero’s snap shot. A nervy moment aside where he thoughtlessly picked up a back-pass, he appeared confident and made notable efforts to claim numerous crosses. With more favourable fixtures on the horizon, it will be interesting whether McCarthy can use this opportunity for an extended run in the team.

Stuart Armstrong was also restored to the team and it was his spilled shot that led to Ward-Prowse’s goal. With Hojbjerg at left back/wingback, the Scot formed part of a three man midfield alongside Ward-Prowse and Romeu.

His ability to drift into little pockets of space and take early shots will pay dividends if he is rewarded with a starting berth for the forthcoming matches against shaky defences. There is no reason why he cannot play a similar role to that played by Steven Davis in his prime, acting as a pivot and providing late runs into the box. The question will be whether Hasenhuttl sees Armstrong as the long term answer for the gaping hole between the Southampton midfield and attack.