Southampton vs Manchester City: A tactical and statistical analysis

Southampton's Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (R) consoles Southampton's English midfielder James Ward-Prowse (L) during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on December 19, 2020. (Photo by Naomi Baker / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (R) consoles Southampton's English midfielder James Ward-Prowse (L) during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on December 19, 2020. (Photo by Naomi Baker / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Moussa Djenepo of Southampton (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Moussa Djenepo of Southampton (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Creativity is key

Saints had nine attempts on the City goal but just three on target despite how they managed to control a large part of the game.

This match and the last 30 minutes against Arsenal show that, to match the top sides, you need to have that extra bit of quality to claim a result.

Whether that comes from a boost in self-belief for the likes of Nathan Redmond and Moussa Djenepo – who are both very capable despite what some Saints fans think – or work on how to create better chances through better movement, it needs to come if Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are to keep on the coattails of the top four.

Fixtures against Fulham and West Ham and a week of training are an ideal opportunity to put new things into practise and should bring more points before another tough game versus Liverpool.

dark. Next. Saints vs Man City: Three Key Moments from a tight affair