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

By Joe Mcindoe

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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Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton replaces goalscorer Che Adams with Shane Long (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton replaces goalscorer Che Adams with Shane Long (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Che Adams

A goal has been a long time coming but boy oh boy has it been worth the wait from Che Adams. Since joining last season Adams has struggled to hit the ground running or fashion a regular place in the lineup.

After firing agonizingly wide late on against previous opponents Watford, Adams would’ve been forgiven for thinking his big day might never come. Looking to get him off the mark Hasenhüttl gifted his man a rare club start and was soon rewarded.

From just inside their own half the second-place team should have been comfortable in possession. Oleksandr Zinchenko received what looked to be a straightforward pass just beyond the centre circle. It turned out to be anything but.

Displaying a surprising lack of awareness, Zinchenko picked up possession only to immediately turn towards an alert Stuart Armstrong. The red and white midfielder nipped in to nick the ball.

Although the Scott couldn’t take control of the football, he did just enough to ensure it broke free to an onrushing Che Adams. Seemingly without a moments hesitation the front man ran onto the ball and fired a swerving shot into the back of the net.

Playing in his role as sweeper keeper Edison could do nothing but watch the ball sail over his head and into the wide-open goal.

Match Of the Day noted that the goal was from 39 yards out, making it the longest this season.

It’s safe to say Adams managed one of the most memorable account openings St Mary’s has ever seen.