Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Manchester City ease past Southampton to keep title hopes alive

Relive the action action from St Mary’s

Callum Rice-Coates
Sunday 30 December 2018 17:24 GMT
Comments
Manchester City: A look back at 2018

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester City warmed up for Thursday's pivotal Premier League battle with Liverpool by coasting past 10-man Southampton 3-1 at St Mary's.

David Silva and Sergio Aguero struck for City, with James Ward-Prowse's own goal also helping Pep Guardiola's men get back to winning ways.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg fired a fine first-half goal for Saints, only to be sent off late on for a two-footed tackle.

City hit back from defeats to Crystal Palace and Leicester with ease, reclaiming second place and cutting Liverpool's Premier League lead to seven points.

Relive the action below.

What time does it start?

Southampton vs Manchester City kicks off at 2:15pm (GMT)

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League.

Independent Sport will also keep you up to date with all the goals via our live blog.

Highlights will be shown on Match of the Day Two at 10:30pm on BBC One.

Player to watch…

Sergio Aguero: The Argentinian striker has managed eight goals and five assists in just 15 Premier League appearances this season and when he’s on the pitch, he’s always a threat. Aguero has failed to score in his last four league matches and is in direct competition with Gabriel Jesus for the starting spot.

Can Sergio Aguero get City back to winning ways?
Can Sergio Aguero get City back to winning ways? (Getty Images)

Form guide…

Southampton: LWWLLD

Man City: LLWLWW

Odds…

Southampton: 19/2

Manchester City: 3/10

Draw: 23/5

(Odds provided by 888 Sport)

Prediction…

Southampton 0-3 Man City: This game is absolutely crucial for Pep’s side. They can’t afford anything other than wins now, especially with Liverpool consistently winning matches. I feel Southampton will unluckily fall victims of a relentless bounce back City performance.

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

9 minutes

Palace enjoy a first spell of prolonged possession after Zaha breaks dangerously. No chances so far in what has been a cagey opening.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:11

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

10 minutes

Marcos Alonso is in the book for kicking the ball away in frustration after failing to keep a long ball in play. A needless yellow card.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:13

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

11 minutes

Some muffled appeals for a Palace penalty as Zaha goes down under a challenge from Rudiger. Chelsea are then forced into some defending from a corner, which they deal with comfortably.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:14

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

13 minutes

Hazard has won a free kick in a dangerous position. He found himself in space on the left and made his way towards the box. McArthur brought him down and now Palace have some defending to do.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:15

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

14 minutes

A real chance for Rudiger. Willian curls in the free kick and the centre back has a free header from a few yards out. His body position is all wrong, though. He can only loop the header into Guaita's arms.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:17

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

17 minutes

Jorginho gives the ball away with a loose pass and Andros Townsend drives towards the Chelsea goal. He lines up a shot, but Jorginho gets back to block.

At the other end, Kante fires a shot off from the edge of the box, which flashes wide of the post.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:20

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

20 minutes

Kante, playing in a more advanced position under Sarri, is again in the thick of the action in the final third. Giroud holds the ball up in the box and it drops nicely for the midfielder. This time, his shot is deflected and loops up kindly for Guaita.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:23

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

25 minutes

Hazard, playing out on the left today, jinks inside and wins a free kick. It's taken quickly and Chelsea win a corner, which is dealt with well by Palace. Hodgson's side have defended well so far.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:28

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

28 minutes

Chelsea again work the ball nicely, but still can't find a way through Palace's packed defence. Sakho and Tomkins have been solid, while young right back Wan-Bissaka continues to impress.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:30

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

28 minutes

The ball is played over the top for Giroud, who gets away from his marker and smashes a left-footed half-volley into the far corner. The flag is up, though, so it won't count.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:31

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in