A regular day in the office for the Cityzens, but a game won harder than expected. When Erling Haaland opened the scoring already after five minutes, everyone believed in Southampton’s catastrophe. Yet, the Cityzens played a pretty disheartened match, lacking motivation for a more convincing triumph. The Norwegian wasted several opportunities in the second half, failing to secure City’s win. Still, the Saints were near to scoring only in the first-half added time when Archer hit the bar, but, all in all, insufficient to beat the champions. In the end, Guardiola’s lads unexpectedly won “only” 1-0 to take over the top spot from Liverpool, at least for a day.FULL-TIME | Three more points 💪🩵 1-0 🟡 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/5cCaVsCu3T— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 26, 2024 Although his team was to face the “weakest” Premier League side, Pep Guardiola opted for the strongest possible XI, and that approach paid off already after five minutes as his boys showed who was in charge. Erling Haaland used Matheus Nunes’ perfect cross, enduring the duel with the rivals’ strong defender and sending it home for 1-0 and his 11th goal of the season. Still, afterwards, the game entered a rather dull phase, where the Cityzens kept attacking as if they had offensive training, while Southampton did not even think about Ederson’s goal.Despite having as many as ten attempts in the first period, four of which were on target, Haaland’s goal turned out to be the best chance the Premier League champions created in the initial 45 minutes. On the other hand, the Saints had no single attempt until the added time, when Cameron Archer unleashed a powerful long-range strike which crashed against the bar. City’s first attack after the break was an indicator that Archer’s attempt woke them up. Phil Foden made a terrific solo effort and shot from the edge of the box, but just slightly wide of Aaron Ramsdale’s left post. Minutes later, Haaland threatened again, only to be blocked in the nick of time. Yet, it seemed that the second goal was near. Between the 50th and 63rd minute, the Norwegian managed to miss three fantastic chances, leaving his team’s victory uncertain as the Saints showed they could occasionally be dangerous.Hey, neighbours, can you give us a lift? No, get lostSouthampton boss Russell Martin tried to refresh his ranks with Adam Armstrong and Joe Aribo replacing Tyler Dibling and Adam Lallana, but in vain. On the other hand, Guardiola made no sub until 86th minute, as if he was afraid of making subs while his team’s lead was only 1-0. Nobody at Etihad Stadium was cold-blooded when the ref Tony Harrington added six minutes in the end, but City’s defence endured and successfully kept the advantage alive.Guardiola is probably aware that his team was nowhere near the necessary level today and that the improvement is needed already in seven days when the Cityzens travel to Bournemouth. On the other hand, the Saints played a good match, despite the defeat and today’s performance undoubtedly gives them confidence ahead of the upcoming challenges in the relegation battle.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 9Friday Leicester – Nott.Forest 1-3 (1-1)/Vardy 23 – Yates 16, Wood 47, 60/Saturday Aston Villa – Bournemouth 1-1 (0-0)/Barkley 76 – Evanilson 90+6/Brentford – Ipswich 4-3 (2-2)/Wissa 44, Clarke 45+1 og, Mbeumo 51 pen, 90+6 – Szmodics 28, Hirst 31, Delap 86/Brighton – Wolverhampton 2-2 (1-0)/Welbeck 45, Ferguson 85 – Ait-Nouri 88, Cunha 90+3/Man.City – Southampton 1-0 (1-0)/Haaland 5/19.30: (2.85) Everton (3.35) Fulham (2.65)Sunday 16.00: (1.80) Chelsea (3.70) Newcastle (4.40)16.00: (4.30) Crystal Palace (3.60) Tottenham (1.85)16.00: (3.05) West Ham (3.60) Man.Utd. (2.40)18.30: (2.50) Arsenal (3.45) Liverpool (2.95)***odds are subject to change***
