Manchester City ease past Southampton to keep title hopes alive
Relive the action action from St Mary’s
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea
45 minutes
One minute of added time will be played.
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.
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.
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