Kelechi Iheanacho on Sunday scored a much-needed equaliser for Manchester City as they returned to the summit of the English Premier League.
The match played at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, had 54,000 spectators in attendance.
City lacked aggression and tempo in the opening 45 minutes, allowing an organised Southampton side to contain them and then burst forward on the break.
City lacked aggression and tempo in the opening 45 minutes, allowing an organised Southampton side to contain them and then burst forward on the break.
It was thus not surprising that the visitors took the lead in the 27th minute after John Stones’ sloppy pass allowed Nathan Redmond to round Claudio Bravo and slot in.
City improved after being booed off by some home fans at the break.
City improved after being booed off by some home fans at the break.
Pep Guardiola had to act – and he did that decisively in the 46th minute, introducing young striker Iheanacho in place of Kevin de Bruyne – City’s stand-out performer this season.
The master tactician’s move paid off in the 55th minute as Iheanacho swept in Leroy Sane’s square ball after the midfielder was found with a brilliant long ball from Fernandinho.
Iheanacho showed purpose and drive as he beat Saints defender Virgil van Dijk to Sane’s cross and prod in the equaliser.
The goal was Iheanacho’s fourth in seven games played for Manchester City.
Guardiola’s side controlled the second half as they searched for a winner, but Saints keeper Fraser Forster produced splendid saves to deny Ilkay Gundogan and David Silva.
Guardiola’s side controlled the second half as they searched for a winner, but Saints keeper Fraser Forster produced splendid saves to deny Ilkay Gundogan and David Silva.
City’s inability to grab a second goal meant ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola had failed to win in five successive matches for only the second time in his managerial career.
However, the point was still enough to lift the Blues back above Arsenal and Liverpool to the Premier League summit.
Southampton stay eighth after extending their unbeaten league runs to a fifth game.
Southampton manager Claude Puel speaking to reporters after the match said: “I am satisfied and happy for my players. We defended well.”
“It is an interesting point; we can see a good solidarity for our team, good spirit and good organisation.
“We played with just two days recovery after the Inter Milan match, which is difficult and we finished the game tired. It is a good point,” he said.
