Follow live updates as Manchester City travel to the south coast to face Southampton tonight as they look to extend their considerable lead at the top of the Premier League table. Pep Guardiola’s side beat Chelsea last time out to build a gap of 14 points over Thomas Tuchel’s men, while Liverpool sit 11 points behind as things stand.
A run of 12 consecutive victories has powered City’s ascent to the top and strengthened their grip on a title they now seem almost guaranteed to defend, possibly by a bigger margin than the 12-point advantage over rivals Manchester United which made them champions last season.
Southampton did hold today’s visitors to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at the Eithad Stadium back in September, and are themselves ten points clear of the relegation zone and seemingly destined to spend another season in the Premier League next time around. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side beat Brentford 4-1 in their previous Premier League home fixture but that was their first win at St Mary’s in the competition since early November.
Follow the score and all the action from tonight’s Premier League game below, plus the conclusion of Manchester United vs West Ham:
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Michael Jones22 January 2022 18:30
Southampton 1 – 0 Man City
Southampton and Man City have both had the same amount of shots on target (1) in the first half. Pep Guardiola will not be happy at all with what he’s seen over those 45 minutes. In contrast Ralph Hasenhuttl will be encouraging his players to just keep going. As it stands Southampton will end the day in the top 10.
Michael Jones22 January 2022 18:26
Southampton 1 – 0 Man City
Kyle Walker-Peters sent Southampton in front with a great right-footed finish and Raheem Sterling missed a fantastic opportunity to equalise for Man City. Will there be more goals in the second half?
Michael Jones22 January 2022 18:22
Half-time: Southampton 1 – 0 Man City
45+2 mins: Southampton take a one-goal lead into the break after Kyle Walker-Peters sent the home side in front inside of 10 minutes. The Saints defended stoutly and kept City’s chances to a minimum.
Raheem Sterling had the best chance to equaliser for the league leaders but Fraser Forster denied him from close range. Can Southampton hang on to their lead for another 45 minutes?
Michael Jones22 January 2022 18:18
Southampton 1 – 0 Man City
45 mins: Great defending from Salisu! De Bruyne feeds the ball into the box as Walker comes in from an overlapping run. He looks for a pass into the six-yard box but Salisu slides across him, blocks the pass and wins a goal kick.
Two added minutes to play.
Michael Jones22 January 2022 18:16
Southampton 1 – 0 Man City
42 mins: Kyle Walker’s cross into the box is flicked on by Bernardo Silva then headed out ot Rodri. He takes the ball on his chest before hitting one at goal and pulling the chance wide of the left-hand post!
Southampton will want to get into the break with the lead and a chance to regroup. City won’t be this lacklustre in the second half.
Michael Jones22 January 2022 18:13
Southampton 1 – 0 Man City
39 mins: Save! Man City should be level! Phil Foden is given the ball and takes on Mohammed Salisu as he drives into the box. He squares the ball across the area and Romain Perraud misses his attempted clearance. It comes to Raheem Sterling in acres of space but his shot is turned straight at Fraser Forster who drops low to keep it out! Massive save from the Southampton goalkeeper!
Michael Jones22 January 2022 18:10
Southampton 1 – 0 Man City
36 mins: Close! Very close from Raheem Sterling. Bernardo Silva slips him into the right side of the box and Sterling cuts inside before slotting a left-footed effort towards the far top corner. He strikes his shot well and almost curls the ball back in time but it narrowly swings around the back post.
Michael Jones22 January 2022 18:05
Southampton 1 – 0 Man City
33 mins: Over half an hour played at St. Marys and Southampton have the lead against the Premier League leaders. Jan Bednarek fouls Jack Grealish and there’s a bit of a barney between Romeu and Grealish. The Southampton man thinks Grealish went down too easily but the replays show Bednarek catching Grealish with his studs showing. He goes in the book for the tackle.
Michael Jones22 January 2022 18:03
Southampton 1 – 0 Man City
30 mins: Southampton want a penalty! Broja makes another cutting run into the City box and is clipped by Ederson as he tries to get to the ball. There’s a loud roar from the Southampton fans who thinks this is clearcut once again the offside flag is raised against the Saints striker.
Michael Jones22 January 2022 18:00