Manchester City narrowly beat Southampton 1-0 on Saturday, courtesy of Erling Haaland’s early goal in the first half.
Pep Guardiola’s side seemed set to give Russell Martin’s side a tough time based on both sides’ form this season.
However, Southampton pushed Manchester City to the brink in what was a contest that was much closer than expected.
Pep Guardiola would be delighted that City kept their first clean sheet and their second one this season in total at the Etihad Stadium.
With their latest victory, the Sky Blues are now the brand-new league leaders.
Unless Liverpool managed to defeat Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, they will remain on top of the league table.
Here’s how the players rated.
Ederson- 5/10
The Brazilian international was largely untested in the first half until Cameron Archer struck the crossbar from a one-on-one situation. Saved Stuart Amstrong’s shot early into the second half.
Rico Lewis- 6/10
The Englishman was solid on and off when called upon but largely, he was quieter than usual.
Manuel Akanji- 6/10
Much like Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji defended well when he was called into action but most of Southampton’s threat did not come down his side.
Ruben Dias- 7/10
Made a number of important last-ditch challenges that kept Southampton at bay and tested Aaron Ramsdale from distance in the first half as well.
Josko Gvardiol- 8.5/10
Josko Gvardiol continued his rich vein of form by keeping Tyler Dibling quiet, making intelligent decisions in the final third and looking comfortable when inverting into midfield.
In the second half, Gvardiol made plenty of crucial clearances in and around the box while also playing incisive passes in what was yet another extremely well-rounded display from him. Manchester City’s best player on the day without a shadow of a doubt.
Mateo Kovacic- 7/10
The Croatian won a number of duels in the middle of the park while also coming close to doubling Manchester City’s lead with a well-struck shot in the first half.
On the ball, Mateo Kovacic was rather safe and if he wishes to do his best possible impression of Rodri, his passing range must have to become a lot more expansive over the course of the season.
Bernardo Silva- 6/10
Much like against Sparta Prague, Bernardo Silva’s primary threat emerged down the left flank as he made intelligent runs down the wing and put crosses in. The Portuguese international found Matheus Nunes in behind Southampton’s defence, who set up the opening goal.
Phil Foden- 6.5/10
Foden had bright moments where he was often hacked down by the visitors and he even came close to assisting Haaland late on into the game. The 24-year-old’s footwork was often delightful to witness but he was not as impactful as usual as he seems to regaining full match-sharpness.
Savinho- 8/10
Savinho was bright in first half, despite being doubled up on as he still found a ways to dart past defenders and cause mayhem. Unlucky not to go home with two assists as Haaland fluffed his lines from two incredible chances he created.
The 20-year-old almost set Foden up as well, whose shot was just wide off the post in what was a very bright showing from him in the second half.
Erling Haaland- 7/10
Haaland opened the scoring with a wonderfully innovative finish as he was falling down to strike the ball into the roof of the net.
However, the Norwegian was guilty of missing three big chances and he should have left the Etihad Stadium with a hat-trick.
Matheus Nunes- 7.5/10
Nunes seems to be coming into his own on the left flank as he put in an inch-perfect cross to assist Haaland’s strike while also getting the better of Kyle Walker-Peters on several instances. The former Wolves midfielder’s defensive intensity was evident as well as he was rather dominant in duels.
In the second half, however, Nunes’ impact waned as most of Manchester City’s best work came down the right flank.
