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5 things we learned from Manchester City 1-1 Southampton
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Manchester City’s winless run continued after being frustrated by Southampton at the Etihad.
City have now gone five games without success as their determination to play out of defence cost them again.
John Stones was the guilty party this time as his wayward pass was intercepted by Nathan Redmond, and the Southampton man made him pay.
Stones also had a goal disallowed on a day to forget for the England defender but City eventually levelled through substitute Kelechi Iheanacho.
The result does take City back to the top on goal difference but Guardiola will have more than a few concerns.
Here are five things we learned.
All week, Pep Guardiola has faced criticism for his refusal to change his ways.
City - and in particular Claudio Bravo - were caught out at the Nou Camp but Pep insisted he would always play out of the back.
Within half an hour at the Etihad, his methods had led to another City calamity and saw them drop more points.
This time it was John Stones who messed up as he tried to play the ball across defence to Vincent Kompany.
The Belgian didn’t read it, Nathan Redmond intercepted and Southampton were in front.
Stones thought he had made amends moments later, only to be denied by the linesman’s flag.
Another tough lesson for the England man.
Moxley: City stars need to get back to doing jobs they’re supposed to do
Southampton travelled to the Etihad with the second-best defensive record in the Premier League - and it’s not difficult to see why.
Claude Puel has inherited a resolute backline from Ronald Koeman, marshalled by skipper Jose Fonte and the excellent Virgil van Dijk.
Even with back-up full-backs Cuco Martina and Sam McQueen in the side, the visitors looked so solid.
A large part of that is down to Van Dijk, who has been superb since moving south of the border and kept Sergio Aguero quiet here.
Koeman is trying to get his methods across at Everton but it will take time for his back-line to be as well drilled as this.
With Sadio Mane on his way to Liverpool, Southampton quickly moved to bring in Nathan Redmond and it is proving an inspired decision.
Plenty will have looked at the England Under-21 man after Norwich’s relegation but his inconsistency is likely to have put them off.
Under Puel, he has been given a different role - often asked to play central off Charlie Austin - and he is turning it on, on a regular basis.
While Stones teed him up, Redmond still had plenty to do and his finish exuded confidence as he rounded Bravo and found the net.
It was his second in as many games and further evidence that the 22-year-old is starting to fulfil his potential.
As we know by now, Pep will do it his way and is not bothered who he upsets.
The City boss dropped Sergio Aguero in midweek and as Sunday Mirror revealed, he could start next season with NONE of Roberto Mancini’s 2012 title winners.
At half-time, he decided his team needed more up top and brought on Kelechi Iheanacho.
The man making way? Kevin De Bruyne - City’s star player so far this season.
The Belgian wasn’t at his best in the first-half but he certainly wasn’t the only one.
Fortunately it appeared a masterstroke for Guardiola as Iheanacho grabbed the leveller.
The striker made an instant impact off the bench as he turned home Sane’s cross within miunutes of entering the fray.
Southampton will be sick of the sight of him too, with the Nigerian scoring twice at St. Mary’s last season.
He has a big future at the Etihad, make no mistake, but he has to be in Pep Guardiola’s thoughts right now.
Don’t rule out him starting at Old Trafford in midweek.
Stones 5 - Kamikaze back-pass let Redmond in to score.
Kolarov 6 - Put De Bruyne through early on. Little else.
Fernandinho 7 - Super angled ball to Sane to set up leveller.
Gundogan 6 - Denied goal by Forster save after the break.
Silva 6 - Sloppy early on but recovered thereafter.
Sterling 5 - Carried little attacking threat down the left.
Aguero 6 - Booked. First start in three. Flickered but not at his best.
Martina 6 - Given a tough time by Sane down his flank.
Romeu 7 - Screened back-four well and diligent on the ball.
Davis 6 - Organised and efficient in heart of midfield.
Clasie 6 - Booked. Put himself about in the middle. Subbed.
Tadic 6 - Stretched City on the break. Used the ball well.
Austin 6 - Had goal-bound shot saved by Bravo late on.
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