Erling Haaland scored early on as Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League – but it was unexpectedly tough going against lowly Southampton.
Haaland, who made headlines with a stunning kung-fu volley in the Champions League last week, netted in more orthodox fashion after only five minutes to take his season’s tally to 14.
But the expected goalfest didn’t materialise with Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in good form and the visitors almost snatched an equaliser on the stroke of half-time when Cameron Archer struck the crossbar.
City, who are unbeaten at The Etihad for nearly two years, were happy to get over the line but there was also encouragement for Southampton who will fancy getting their first league win of the season if they perform like this against Everton and Wolves in their next two games.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been slow starters in recent weeks but showed intent from the kick off. Ruben Dias tested Ramsdale in their first attack and didn’t have long to wait before their positive approach was rewarded.
Erling Haaland took his Premier League tally this season to 11 with an acrobatic effort early on
Haaland contorted his body to meet Matheus Nunes’ cross to earn three points for Man City
Pep Guardiola’s side were made to work for their victory against the newly-promoted side
Matheus Nunes, on his first Premier League start of the season, whipped in a cross from the left and whilst Jan Bednarek was intent on wrestling Haaland, the Norwegian kept his eye on the ball and stretched out a left boot as he toppled backwards and sent the ball in.
It wasn’t spectacular by his standards but important nonetheless as it ended a run of three league games without a goal.
With City’s wingers Savinho and Nunes helping to move Southampton’s back-five about, it only seemed a matter of time before a second goal was added.
Instead, it was the visitors who continued to try and play their way out of trouble and beat the press for the first time after 20 minutes. Wing-back Ryan Manning galloped into acres of space and it needed Josko Gvardiol to clear the cross.
At the other end, Taylor Harwood-Bellis blocked a powerful strike by Mateo Kovacic and Savinho delayed a pass to Haaland too long after winning the ball off Bednarek.
Kovacic was also denied by Ramsdale but in injury time at the end of the first half, The Saints had their golden chance to level.
Archer was released by Jack Stephens and after checking Ederson’s position, opened up his body before drilling the ball against the crossbar.
Southampton finished the first half with almost as much possession as City – unusual at The Etihad – and also felt harshly done by when referee Tony Harrington penalised Flynn Downes for a brilliant tackle on Bernardo Silva – and then booked the Saints midfielder for protesting.
Manager sent on substitute Adam Armstrong for talented teenager Tyler Dibling at the interval and the No9 had a busy introduction, getting booked and then forcing Ederson into his first save.
City were keen to try and add a second goal to kill the game off. Phil Foden flashed a left-foot shot narrowly wide immediately after the restart and then Haaland missed out on a hat-trick of chances.
The Norwegian had one header cleared off the line by Harwood-Bellis, a second saved by Ramsdale, and then failed to connect properly with Savinho’s cross from a few yards.
Nunes assisted Haaland’s winner in a good performance on a first league start of the campaign
Haaland should have added to his tally but missed a series of presentable opportunities
Russell Martin’s side are now bottom, with other results going against them after their defeat
Armstrong fired over the bar when set up on the edge of the penalty area as City struggled to see off their pesky opponents. Martin sent on speedster Kamaldeen Sulemana and centre-forward Paul Onuachu for a final Hail Mary and in injury time Onuachu’s header needed to be hacked away by Manuel Akanji.
Haaland was then foiled by Ramsdale but City secured the points despite their injury problems meaning Guardiola named only five outfield substitutes.
Wolves’ late equaliser against Brighton leaves the Saints languishing at the foot of the Premier League table.
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