City thrash Southampton to jump to second place
Manchester City's striker Sergio Aguero (right) celebrates scoring their third goal during the UEFA Champions League Group E match against Bayern Munich at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, on November 25, 2014. Manchester City won 3-2. Aguero created two goals as City recorded a 3-0 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s on November 30, 2014. PHOTO | OLI SCARFF|
What you need to know:
- Following previous wins over Swansea City and Bayern Munich, Manuel Pellegrini’s appear to have rediscovered some self-belief after a run of only one win in six games that began in mid-October.
- It was a first home defeat since April for Southampton, who have embarked upon a testing sequence of fixtures that continues with Arsenal’s visit on Wednesday before they host Manchester United a week on Monday.
LONDON
Sergio Aguero created two goals as champions Manchester City leapfrogged Southampton into second place in the Premier League table with a steely 3-0 victory at St Mary’s on Sunday.
Yaya Toure drilled home Aguero’s pass in the 51st minute and although City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala was then sent off, late goals by substitute Frank Lampard and Gael Clichy secured victory for the visitors.
Mangala was shown a second yellow card in the 74th minute after barging over Shane Long, but Lampard and Clichy’s strikes safeguarded an impressive win that took City to within six points of leaders Chelsea.
Following previous wins over Swansea City and Bayern Munich, Manuel Pellegrini’s appear to have rediscovered some self-belief after a run of only one win in six games that began in mid-October.
Victory was not completely without complications, however, as a late injury to Vincent Kompany obliged them to see out the game with nine men.
FIRST HOME DEFEAT
It was a first home defeat since April for Southampton, who have embarked upon a testing sequence of fixtures that continues with Arsenal’s visit on Wednesday before they host Manchester United a week on Monday.
Aguero had been likened to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by both his coach and his team-mates after his match-winning hat-trick against Bayern in mid-week, and he was quickly in the thick of the action on his 100th league appearance for City.
In the ninth minute, he stole into the box and was sent flying by a sliding challenge from Jose Fonte, but although it appeared a clear penalty, referee Mike Jones booked the incredulous Argentine for diving.
City shaded the early exchanges, with Toure curling a shot straight at Fraser Forster from outside the box, but the visitors’ goal was fortunate to emerge unscathed mid-way through the first half.
From a Morgan Schneiderlin cross, Graziano Pelle was thwarted by City goalkeeper Joe Hart.
