Super Saints! – Southampton 3 – 1 Man City

Southampton gained their first win in four games with an impressive performance over a dire Manchester City.

City were able to welcome back Yaya Touré from African Cup Of Nations duty for a game they knew they must win to keep pace with league leaders Manchester United. In contrast, Southampton were only three points off the relegation zone before the match, and knew that a failure to gain three points would leave Mauricio Pochettino winless after five games in charge.

Steven Davis capitalises on Joe Hart’s blunder – credit: @southamptonfc

However, it didn’t take long for the Saints’ manager’s high pressure tactics to work, as City paid the price for their lethargic start. Gareth Barry, under pressure from the Southampton midfield, gave away the ball allowing Jason Puncheon to play in Jay Rodriguez. Rodriguez mishit his shot but the ball fell kindly to Puncheon who gratefully put away his fifth goal of the season. Although City’s general play improved slightly after the goal, they failed to make any real chances, with Sergio Agüero providing the only real sign of life for the champions.

Southampton may have had their fair share of goalkeeping problems this season, however, this time it was not the Saints’ keeper who was under scrutiny. Joe Hart’s midweek penalty heroics for England were swiftly forgotten as he allowed Rickie Lambert’s shot to squirm through his legs, leaving Steven Davis to poke home the loose ball. Despite their lacklustre opening half hour, City could have considered themselves unlucky to be 2-0 down – a matter which they addressed six minutes before half time. A swift breakaway from a Southampton corner led to Edin Džeko inventively poking home Pablo Zabaleta’s cross, putting the visitors back into the game. Despite conceding, Southampton perhaps should still have been two up at half time, as the impressive Rodriguez was leaned into by Touré in the area. Referee Martin Atkinson was unimpressed, however replays showed that Touré did indeed make significant contact with the forward.

The nervy mood around St. Mary’s suddenly became a lot calmer just three minutes into the second half courtesy of another City howler. Under little pressure, Gareth Barry’s attempted back-pass to the keeper found its way past Joe Hart and into the City net, much to the despair of Roberto Mancini. Even with there being almost half of the match yet to play, Southampton’s third goal was the killer blow, as despite decent chances for Agüero, Džeko and Touré, City looked liked a spent force. Southampton on the other hand were pinging the ball around at will, making the champions work for every second of possession. Mancini threw on Maicon, Kolarov and Milner in an attempt to readdress the balance, and despite a late rally in the final few minutes, City were unable to haul themselves back into the game.

Writer’s Comment: City’s incompetence should take nothing away from Southampton’s performance today, they were extremely impressive. Other teams may have allowed City a way back into the game at 2-1 but Southampton did well to shut down any chance of an undeserved and unlikely comeback in a thoroughly professional display. Roberto Mancini will now be hoping this performance was simply a blip and that they can pick themselves up for their next league game against Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino on the other hand will be thrilled with his side, not just because of the win, but because they triumphed while carrying out his favourite tactics of high pressure and quick passing to the letter.

Man Of The Match: Jay Rodriguez – the forward should have won his side a penalty and was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition.