Aguero and Walker script Man City's turnaround against Saints

Sergio Aguero and Kyle Walker scored as Manchester City came from a goal down to beat Southampton 2-1 to keep pace with Premier League leader Liverpool.

Published : Nov 02, 2019 23:11 IST

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero scored the equaliser against Southampton.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero scored the equaliser against Southampton.
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Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero scored the equaliser against Southampton.

Manchester City kept pace with Premier League leader Liverpool after Kyle Walker struck late on to give them a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday.

A goalkeeping blunder by Ederson allowed James Ward-Prowse to give Southampton a surprise 13th-minute lead at Etihad Stadium.

City initially struggled to break down a resolute Southampton defence before Sergio Aguero eventually equalised when he fired past goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.

However, Walker latched on to Angelino's cross to slide the ball home and secure a win that means the champions remain six points behind Liverpool.

City had eased to a 3-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup during the week and, with Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne back, was expected to brush its opponents aside again.

However, this victory was far from routine for Pep Guardiola's side.

It was the visitor which led at half-time having scored against the run of play after a rare mistake by City goalkeeper Ederson, who spilled Stuart Armstrong's low shot and allowed the quick-thinking Ward-Prowse to lift the ball over the Brazilian from close range.

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City monopolised possession in the remainder of the half but despite some slick passing moves it found Southampton's defence difficult to break down.

Saints had conceded nine goals in its last Premier League game against Leicester City, but Guardiola's side did not register a shot on target until the 70th minute.

It was, though, a decisive one as Aguero on to Walker's low cross and turned the ball home through the legs of McCarthy.

Walker went from provider to match-winner with 86 minutes played, timing his run into the box perfectly to meet Angelino's cross and emphatically striking the ball high into the net past McCarthy.

 

What does it mean? City show character of champion

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Kyle Walker scored in the 86th minute to hand Manchester City a win over Southampton.
 

City was below its best for much of this encounter and lacked a cutting edge in attack. However, it dug out what may turn out to be a crucial victory.

A dramatic finish at Villa Park could have seen City fall further behind leader Liverpool had Walker not popped up and secured the points.

It was the kind of gritty display of a team who are not going to give up the Premier League crown without a fight. It will relish a trip to Anfield next weekend.

Embarrassing moment for Ederson

Normally a reliable presence between the posts for City, Ederson had a rare off-day against Southampton. The Brazilian is used to long periods of inactivity but on this occasion a momentary lapse in concentration almost proved costly.

Solid Stephens steps up

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Southampton kept Manchester City's forward line quiet led by Jack Stephens.
 

Jack Stephens only played the second half of Southampton's 9-0 thrashing by Leicester but brought an assurance to its leaky backline. The centre-back anticipated danger, led by example on his second league start of the season and was unlucky to finish on the losing side.

What's next?

Manchester City travels to Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday before a crunch clash with Premier League leader Liverpool a week on Sunday. Southampton hosts Everton at St Mary's Stadium next Saturday.

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