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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
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Manchester City: A look back at 2018

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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

33 minutes

Yet again, Chelsea pass the ball around harmlessly on the edge of Palace's box before unleashing a long-range shot. This time, it's Jorginho, who blazes one high and wide. The frustration is growing.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:35

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

34 minutes

Hazard finds himself in a central position on the edge of the Palace box and wins a free kick. This is an opportunity for Chelsea, who have had very little joy from open play.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:36

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

35 minutes

So close! Willian curls the ball over the wall and it cannons off the post. Guaita is deemed to have got a glove to it, so Chelsea have a corner. The goalkeeper punches it away and Willian fires in another shot. Guaita makes another strong save.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:38

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

37 minutes

Off the post again! Barkley swivels and guides the ball towards goal, but it hits the outside of the woodwork and Palace survive.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:39

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

40 minutes

Palace are now looking to put on some pressure of their own after dealing with a spell of Chelsea dominance. It's still in the balance as half time approaches.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:43

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

44 minutes

If you're a fan of a well-executed low block, this will have been a feast for the eyes. If not, it's probably been a bit of a bore. There's been one shot on target so far and most of the half has consisted of Chelsea trying, unsuccessfully, to pass through Palace's compact defence.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:47

Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea

45 minutes

One minute of added time will be played.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:48

Half time: That's it for the first half. Other than a couple of long-range efforts from Willian, Chelsea have done little to trouble a stubborn and resolute Palace side. It hasn't been a classic, but the hosts should be commended for their defensive discipline.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:49

Frustration has been the overriding emotion for Chelsea so far. They've dominated the ball but created very little. And when they have found themselves in scoring positions, the post has been in the way.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 12:56

Palace get us back underway. Can they hold out in the second half?

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:03

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