Southampton 1-0 Manchester City: Three Key Saints Players in the win

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Josep Guardiola of Manchester City with Ralph Hasenhuttl and Nathan Redmond of Southampton after his sides 1-0 defeat during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on July 05, 2020 in Southampton, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Josep Guardiola of Manchester City with Ralph Hasenhuttl and Nathan Redmond of Southampton after his sides 1-0 defeat during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on July 05, 2020 in Southampton, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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Southampton’s English midfielder Che Adams (C left) celebrates (Photo by FRANK AUGSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s English midfielder Che Adams (C left) celebrates (Photo by FRANK AUGSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Southampton hold on to stun City as Che Adams opens his account with the only goal of the game.

After 29 games in the making the moment finally arrived for Adams. The front man lifted a glorious long-range effort over a stranded Edison.

The 30th time may be the charm for the striker, but he must also be sure to thank his defenders for their tireless display.

As expected, the visitors dominated possession as they looked to impose themselves from the off. Fortunately, Saints made life exceedingly difficult for the outgoing champions, fiercely contesting every loose ball and quick to sniff out the danger in the box.

As the citizens piled on the pressure Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men held the defensive shape and made their opponents work for every opportunity.

The on-loan Kyle Walker peters impressed slowing his opponent’s progress on the right side. The fullback was neat in possession and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in to the contest.

Typically known for his goalscoring prowess Danny Ings more than earned his defensive stripes during the evening’s action. The Englishman looked comfortable in the air, while doing his best to be a nuisance at the opposite end of the pitch. The Golden Boot contender rarely saw sight of goal, but his contribution was nevertheless a significant one.

Here we take a look at the three key players from Southampton 1 Manchester city 0.

Make no mistake though, while there may only be three slots available on this list, every saint on the pitch deserves the plaudits for an outstanding performance.