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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 0-1 Chelsea

74 minutes

Giroud has the ball in the net again, and it's another excellent finish. But, once again, the flag is up. Replays show that he was only marginally offside.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:32

Kante is clearly enjoying his new role. His goal looks to have put Chelsea on their way to a big win here.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:33

Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea

76 minutes

Giroud took a knock after smashing the ball past Guaita for a second time. He hobbles off, to be replaced by Morata.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:36

Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea

78 minutes

Palace make another change: Max Meyer is on for Cheikhou Kouyate.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:37

Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea

82 minutes

Palace don't look capable of getting back into this one. Chelsea are passing the ball around with ease, and goalkeeper Kepa has been a spectator throughout.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:41

Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea

83 minutes

Emerson is on for Willian as Chelsea make a second substitution.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:41

Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea

85 minutes

Better from Palace. They work the ball across the box, Zaha feeds Van Aanholt and his effort is deflected over the bar.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:43

Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea

86 minutes

Zaha goes for goal this time, attempting to curl one into the far corner. He gets it wrong and it flies over. Palace are, at least, forcing Chelsea into some defending now.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:45

Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea

88 minutes

Chelsea make their final change: Kovacic is on for Barkley.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:46

Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea

89 minutes

Palace have their best chance of the game. A free kick is floated into the box and Tomkins wins his header. The ball drops for Wickham, who can't keep his shot down.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 13:47

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