Manchester City ease past Southampton to keep title hopes alive
Relive the action action from St Mary’s
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.
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 1-1 Manchester City
43 minutes
Big appeals for a penalty as Ward-Prowse goes down under a challenge from Zinchenko. The referee isn't interested.
GOAL! Southampton 1-2 Manchester City (Ward-Prowse OG)
45 minutes
That's extremely harsh on Southampton. They were on top and had City on the back foot, but a deflection puts the visitors back in front. Sterling broke down the left and his attempted cross took a nasty ricochet off Ward-Prowse. McCarthy couldn't keep it out and Southampton trail again.
GOAL! Southampton 1-3 Manchester City (Aguero)
45+3 minutes
That's what City can do. Zinchenko makes amends for his earlier mistake, picking out Aguero with a cross, The Argentine makes no mistake with his header.
Half time: A dramatic end to the half at St Mary's. Southampton were really putting City under pressure at 1-1 and feel aggrieved that they weren't awarded a penalty. An unlucky deflection gave City the second and Aguero's header on the stroke of half time has put the visitors in control.
Half time: It's half time at Turf Moor, too, where Burnley have a two-goal lead over West Ham. If the scores stay as they are, Dyche's side will move level on points with Southampton, only in the bottom three on goal difference.
↵City, though, they were fortunate to regain the lead, have the quality to win games even when not at their best. They have a two-goal lead thanks to Aguero, and victory could be a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the Liverpool game.
Southampton make a change at half time: Redmond is on in place of Lemina.
Southampton get us going again. Can they pull off a famous comeback?
Southampton 1-3 Manchester City
47 minutes
Højbjerg takes on the first shot of the game having worked some space outside the box. It's an easy save for Ederson.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments