Manchester City’s winless run extended to five games in all competitions with an unimpressive 1-1 draw with Southampton at the Etihad, but left the Sky Blues sitting sweet at the top of the Premier League table.
John Stones’ misplaced pass fell straight into the path of an onrushing Nathan Redmond, who rounded goalkeeper Claudio Bravo before slotting in the net.
City’s chances were very limited in the first half, and the Citizens completed their first 45 minutes of football under Pep Guardiola without having a shot on target.
Kelechi Iheanacho, having replaced Kevin De Bruyne at half-time, was the saviour for City and scored less than 10 minutes after coming after. David Siva’s brilliant hold-up play and pass laid it on a plate for City’s emerging Nigerian star.
City reverted to the formation employed against Everton, with Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sané acting as full-backs in a defence consisting of three centre-backs. Meanwhile, skipper Vincent Kompany – making his first Premier League start since April – and star striker Sergio Aguero earned recalls to the starting line-up following their omission in midweek against Barcelona, despite rumours concerning their futures at the club circulating in recent days.
In the early stages, City took control of the match but Southampton looked a threat on the break and the pace of Nathan Redmond almost broke the City lines on a couple of occasions.
A hostile atmosphere bestowed itself upon the Etihad, with the pressure as high as ever without a win in four games. The players seemed at a disadvantage to this and were unable to conjure any major chances in the first 25 minutes.
Southampton’s goal – a calamitous defensive display from City by all accounts – appeared to spark the home side into life, as City heightened their tempo.
A beautifully worked set-piece saw John Stones – at fault for Southampton’s opener – redeem himself by scoring his what was thought to be his first goal for City. The goal was disallowed for offside. Following a berating of the officials, City fans accepted that the linesman made the correct decision as Aguero interfered with the play, and was offside when De Bruyne whipped the ball into the box.
That offside goal seemed to drag the life out of City, who became increasingly frustrated on the ball. A few pot shots from Ilkay Gundogan, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling were well off target.
Iheanacho replaced De Bruyne during the half-time interval, and had an instant impact. City looked more positive on the ball and scored within 10 minutes of entering the field of play. Silva’s brilliance provided an easy finish for Iheanacho.
Despite having more control of the match, City still struggled to stop the danger of Southampton’s counter-attack. Kompany and Aguero both received bookings for bringing down Saints players whilst forming a breakaway.
During the second half, City began to look more like the team who made the flawless start to the season. However, it was all too late. Intense pressure from City came to no avail as a host of chances were missed, notably Ilkay Gundogan’s effort from the edge of the box and Aguero’s glancing header.
The result leaves City top of the table on goal difference, but lacking confidence ahead of a midweek EFL Cup clash with cross-city rivals Manchester United.
