Manchester City secured a hard fought victory over Southampton on Sunday, which helped them move above the Saints into second place in the table.
Manchester City, who are currently the reigning Premier League champions, had to endure some nervous moments during the contest. All three of City’s goals came in the second half, and they even managed to score their last two efforts while down to 10 men.
Even though Southampton proved that they are a side of skill, poise, and relentless energy, Manchester City just had too much class for them, and they took their chances in such a professional and ruthless manner that their manager, Manuel Pellegrini, was beaming after the final whistle.
This was Southampton’s first home defeat of the season, and in the first half, they managed to stop City’s impressive start to the encounter before imposing themselves on the proceedings.
However, City’s talent soon started to shine through. Yaya Toure gave the Manchester side the lead in the 51st minute after Sergio Aguero, who had been wrongly booked in the first half for diving, dragged the ball back for him.
Manchester City then managed to rebuff Southampton’s advances with aplomb, but their potential victory was jeopardized after Eliaquim Mangala was shown a red card with 16 minutes left.
He clipped Shane Long as the forward ran through on goal to be shown his second yellow card of the game. But rather than welting under this increased pressure Manchester City still managed to control the game.
They then added to their total thanks to goals from Frank Lampard and Gael Clichy , with the latter once again being assisted by Sergio Aguero.
After the match Manuel Pellegrini told the BBC that this victory proved that Manchester City are capable of challenging Chelsea for the Premier League title.
“We can complain about a lot of things from this team this year. But the only thing we cannot complain about in the squad is the spirit, the personality, the character and the ambition to continue winning.”
When asked whether they could catch Jose Mourinho’s side, who are still currently unbeaten after a remarkable start to the season, Pellegrini was adamant that it could be done.
“We have to play 25 games more. It is a lot of points and nobody knows what will happen in the future. In football in one week you can change your position. Chelsea are playing very well and we will see what will happen.”
[Image via The Mirror]