Manchester City Vs Southampton match ended in victory for the Premier League champions as Southampton’s winless start to the season continues.
Erling Haaland’s early goal – his 11th Premier League strike this season – was all the Citizens needed to secure victory over the struggling visitors.
Manchester City Vs Southampton Premier League records
Since they lost three consecutive Premier League matches at Etihad against Southampton in 2001 and 2004, Manchester City have maintained a superior record against the Saints. They went into the game with a 12-match unbeaten run at home, winning 10 and drawing 2.
Overall, the Saints have struggled against Manchester City, winning only one of their last 14 meetings against the Premier League champions.
Meanwhile, Manchester City looked to build on their unbeaten streak in the English top flight. They went into the match with their longest unbeaten run (31), winning 26 games and drawing 5 since they lost to Aston Villa in December 2023.
Conversely, Southampton went into the game looking for their first win in eight Premier League games. They sat bottom of the table with just a point, losing seven matches.
Manchester City Vs Southampton major highlights
Manchester City started the game on the front foot, dominating proceedings and pushing hard for an early opener. It took just five minutes for them to take the lead.
They had worked the ball well down the left for Matheus Nunes, who got to the byline, before chipping a cross into the box for Haaland. The Norwegian wasted no time firing it past former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to put the hosts in front.
Haaland’s goal foreclosed further chances in the game. The Pep Guardiola-led side wielded enough possession but struggled to create chances.
Southampton began to register their presence in the game after the 18th minute. The wielded more possession and completed more touches in City’s half but struggled to create chances.
Another high point of the game was in the 37th minute when Manchester City appealed for a penalty. Bernardo Silva had gotten into the visitors’ box and tried to find Erling Haaland. His effort hit the hand of Southampton player, with City appealing for a penalty. After a VAR review, the penalty call was ignored.
Southampton nearly netted an equalizer
Manchester City were close to the first-half break when Southampton nearly pegged them to a draw.
A quick break by the Saints saw Archer through on goal, coming one-on-one against Ederson. He had only the Brazilian goalkeeper to beat but his effort sailed wide over the crossbar.
The 45+1st-minute scare passed with City taking the narrow 1-0 lead into the break.
Haaland nearly doubled lead for City in the second half
Erling Haaland was close to scoring his brace and securing City’s lead seven minutes into the second half. He was perfectly fed at the far post by Matheus Nunes’ low cross, but his tap-in from close range flew over the bar.
The Norwegian forward came close again to another big chance three minutes after the hour mark. He was picked out at the far post again and attempted a header, but the ball was cleared by Southampton defender.
Southampton, who largely struggled to stay put in the game, had their only big chance in the second half in the 75th minute.
The Saints had broken on another counter quickly before substitute Armstrong had a chance to make it count, but he blew wide his effort. The game ended with Manchester City winning 1-0, thanks to Haaland’s 5th-minute goal.
Manchester City go top of the Premier League table after win
The win has seen Manchester City go top of the Premier League with 23 points—two points better than second-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
They will return to action with a midweek EFL Cup round-of-16 clash at London Stadium against Tottenham on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Their next Premier League fixture is another away trip to Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
Meanwhile, Southampton are stuck at the bottom of the Premier League table with 8 defeats and a draw. They will host Stoke City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, before taking on Everton at home on November 2, 2024, in the Premier League.
