Manchester City beat Southampton 3-0 at St. Mary’s on Saturday, April 15. Here are all the highlights from the match.
Manchester City’s trip to St. Mary’s was mostly uneventful for the first half hour. But for a Dusan Tadic chance on 15 minutes — a chance the Serbian blazed well over the bar — there was almost no goalmouth action to speak of.
City dominated possession, predictably, but were unable to get in behind Southampton’s defense. The game sparked to life in the 35th minute, as Ryan Bertrand and Nathan Redmond combined well down the Saints’ left side to create a chance for Cedric Soares, whose shot was blocked.
The Citizens’ subsequent counter-attack saw Sergio Aguero set up David Silva at the back post, but the Spaniard missed the target from a good position.
The biggest talking point of the half came shortly after, when Leroy Sane, through on goal, was brought down by Southampton keeper Fraser Forster. Forster got the faintest of touches on the ball, and a more significant touch on Sane’s ankle. There were muted appeals for a penalty, but referee Neil Swarbrick awarded only a corner.
The second half got off to a quicker start, as City opened the scoring in the 55th minute, their captain Vincent Kompany heading in from a Silva corner. Forster probably should’ve saved the shot, but Kompany did well to beat Maya Yoshida to the header. It was his first goal since 2015.
City doubled their lead with a stunning counter attack in the 77th minute, Kevin De Bruyne playing in Sane, who finished comfortably past Forster. It was three goals three minutes later, when Aguero bundled in at the back post to complete a comfortable win for Pep Guardiola’s side.
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Highlights
City overtake third-place Liverpool with the win, at least until the Reds finish their match against West Brom on Sunday. Southampton remain ninth.