Erling Haaland bagged a brace on his return for Manchester City, who thrashed Southampton 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
Premier League
Result: Southampton 1-4 Manchester City
Date: 08 April 2023
Venue: St Mary's Stadium
City manager Pep Guardiola was able to recall top scorer Erling Haaland, as Julian Alvarez dropped to the bench following last week's big win over Liverpool.
The game's first chance fell to the away side on five minutes when a swift counter attack with Ilkay Gundogan teeing up Jack Grealish, who saw his strike saved by former City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
The visitors were nearly punish on 15 minutes after a poor set-piece from Mahrez, which allowed Kamaldeen Sulemana to pounce and race clear however he took a poor touch and was closed down by Ederson.
Guardiola's charges continued to dominate but they found it tough to break down the Saints defence for most of the first half.
That all changed on the stroke of halftime when Haaland got the omening goal by turning home a cross from Kevin de Bruyne, who brought up his 100th assist in the league.
Kevin De Bruyne is the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 assists, breaking Cesc Fàbregas' record by 56 games:
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 8, 2023
? @KevinDeBruyne: 237
? @cesc4official: 293
KDBrilliant. ?? pic.twitter.com/0BGVOyvwnR
City could have extended their lead shortly after the break when Gundogan pounced on a loose ball before surging into the box, but his effort sailed inches wide of the upright.
The second goal did arrive just before the hour mark as Grealish scored for the second straight game with a close-range finish after his initial shot was saved by Bazunu.
There was more to come from City as Grealish turned provider to pick out Haaland, who brought up his second goal with a superb over-head kick in the 68th minute.
Southampton managed to pull a goal back four minutes later when Moussa Djenepo embarked on a fine run before finding Sekou Mara, who took one touch before firing into the bottom corner.
However, Man City were awarded a penalty with 15 minutes to play when De Bruyne was brought down under the challenge by Kyle Walker-Peters. With Haaland off the pitch, Alvarez was given responsibility and calmly slotted home to wrap up the win.
The Citizens now sit five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, who face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
