Manchester City beat a determined Southampton 1-nil at the Etihad yesterday. The win saw Pep Guardiola’s side maintain their unbeaten start to the season. But the champions had to fight to pick up three points yesterday. The consensus was heading into the game that City would stroll past the Saints. After Erling Haaland scored in the 5th minute it did appear that the champions could storm past Russell Martin’s side. But the champions had to dig in yesterday. That is a positive to take from yesterday’s game.
The world champions aren’t going to stroll through every game they play. That just isn’t possible. Last weekend Manchester City needed a 95th-minute winner from John Stones to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. Yesterday City had to grind out a result. Over the course of the season, the ability to grind out results can prove to be crucial in a title race. Also, the season is in its infancy, so it is just a matter of banking points early on for Pep Guardiola’s side. The free-flowing football will likely come later in the season for the world champions. But for now, they are still very much working their way into the season.
Speaking after City’s win Pep Guardiola was happy to pick up three points. He acknowledged that Southampton had given his team a demanding game. The City manager also pointed out the topsy-turvy nature of the Premier League when speaking post-game: “I prefer to be top than not being top, but it’s not the point. Look what happened today. Aston Villa dropped points [at home to Bournemouth] and Brighton dropped points [at home to Wolves] because it’s so difficult. We won at Wolves in minute 94/95. Today we created chances and we could have scored two or three goals, the expected goals is much better. But I have to admit it was a demanding game for us. Such a demanding game for us.”
Manchester City aren’t always going to stroll to victory. That was apparent yesterday against Southampton. But the ability of the champions to grind out results is an underestimated weapon in their armoury. It was on full display at the Etihad yesterday.
