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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.

Southampton 0-0 Manchester City

2 minutes

First attack from City. Bernardo Silva drives forward and feeds Mahrez. He looks to cut into the box but he's stopped in his tracks by Targett.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 14:18

We'll have goal updates from Turf Moor, too, where Joe Hart has been dropped by Burnley. They need a win today.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 14:19

Southampton 0-0 Manchester City

5 minutes

City have started with intent. Aguero collects the ball on the edge of the box and plays Silva in. His ball in is dangerous but Southampton manage to clear.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 14:20

Southampton 0-0 Manchester City

5 minutes

Brilliant save by McCarthy, who gets a strong hand to a Silva shot that appeared destined for the net. Southampton are really struggling to deal with City in the early stages.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 14:21

Southampton 0-0 Manchester City

9 minutes

First big chance for the hosts. Austin times his run well and stays onside. The ball over the top from Elyounoussi is a good one, but Austin can't get the ball under control and Ederson collects.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 14:24

GOAL! Southampton 0-1 Manchester City (Silva)

10 minutes

City look at their best in the final third today. Bernardo Silva is given way too much space to run into the box. He picks out his namesake, David Silva, who converts past a helpless McCarthy. 1-0

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 14:25

Burnley 0-0 West Ham

15 minutes

Burnley have started well at Turf Moor but have no goals to show for it. West Ham come into this one in good form, so their fans will be expecting a positive result today.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 14:30

Southampton 0-1 Manchester City

16 minutes

It's been an ideal start for City. Other than the Austin chance, they've controlled this game and look more than capable of putting a few past Southampton. 

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 14:31

GOAL! Burnley 1-0 West Ham (Wood)

16 minutes

Burnley have the goal their start has warranted. Ashley Barnes knocks down for Chris Wood, who hits a powerful strike first time into the net. A big goal for the home side.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 14:33

Southampton 0-1 Manchester City

19 minutes

Superb from Manchester City. Ederson and his defenders play some remarkably composed passing football in their own box, before setting Mahrez on his way. He gets all the way to the edge of the box and looks to pick out the top corner. The shot flies just wide.

Callum Rice-Coates30 December 2018 14:35

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