Southampton vs Manchester City: Three Key Moments from a tight affair

By Joe Mcindoe | Dec 20, 2020

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton applauds the fans as he walks to take a corner kick during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Southampton, England. A limited number of fans are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Kyle Walker-Peters and James Ward-Prowse of Southampton, Raheem Sterling of Manchester City (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Sterling Proves the Difference

Southampton made it tricky throughout the match however, the Etihad outfit showed a slight edge particularly in the early goings.

The travellers found the breakthrough just past the quarter hour mark, in rather direct fashion. Ederson fires long into the Saints half, only to be met by an SFC head. Unfortunately for the red-and-white they failed to keep possession as the ball drops to the away side in the final third.

Kevin De Bruyne picks up possession and is quick to exchange it with Bernardo Silva. The Belgium continues his run and quickly receives the ball back. The international then delivers a fantastic grounded pass into a waiting Sterling who converts at the first time of asking.

The move was a rare throwback to the all conquering City of seasons ago. It was swift, pinpoint, and devastating. Manchester showed an ability to break into the Southampton box with the menace, but nothing proved as incisive as that early demonstration.