Manchester City clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Southampton in the ninth round of the 2024-25 Premier League season at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, on October 26.
This win pushed City to the top of the Premier League standings with a record of seven wins and two draws, totaling 23 points.
It also extended their impressive unbeaten run to 13 official matches this season across all competitions, with nine of those games in the league.
The decisive moment came from none other than Erling Haaland, whose early goal ignited celebrations. Matheus Nunes initiated the attack in the fourth minute, moving into the left half-space and linking up with Bernardo Silva.
Silva delivered a well-placed pass, allowing Nunes to cross into the box. Haaland, skillfully shaking off the defense, connected with a shot that found the back of the net.
The victory marked Manchester City’s 32nd consecutive unbeaten league match, a streak dating back to their 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in December of last year.
Southampton, on the other hand, continued their struggles, unable to secure a win since their promotion, with a record of one draw and eight losses, leaving them with a single point.
City lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Haaland leading the attack, supported by Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Savinho. Mateo Kovacic anchored the midfield, while Joshko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Rico Lewis formed the backline in front of goalkeeper Ederson Morales.
Southampton set up defensively in a 5-4-1 formation, with Cameron Archer leading the front line. The midfield consisted of Matheus Fernandez, Adam Lallana, Flynn Downs, and Taylor Dibbling, while Ryan Manning, Jack Stephens, Yan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Kyle Walker-Peters supported Aaron Ramsdale in goal.
City’s strategy showcased tactical fluidity, particularly on the left side, where Nunes and Silva alternated roles. Silva would drift wide, allowing Nunes to cut inside and exploit half-space opportunities, while Savinho maintained width on the right, positioning himself for one-on-one dribbles against Southampton’s defense.
Southampton’s five-man defense aimed to counter City’s pressure, with Stephens stepping up like a third midfielder during attacks to help the team build play.
Their players spread out wide to force gaps in City’s defense. However, City’s pressing strategy limited Southampton’s progress, as they quickly regained possession with high-pressure tactics.
In first-half stoppage time, Southampton managed to create their best chance. After breaking free from City’s pressing on the left side, Stephens delivered a forward pass to Archer, who sped into the box for a one-on-one opportunity. However, his shot struck the top netting, leaving Southampton frustrated.
Southampton introduced Adam Armstrong for Dibbling at the start of the second half to add a new attacking dynamic. Yet, it was City who struck early in the second half.
Just one minute in, Foden unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box, narrowly missing the target. Soon after, Haaland had a pair of header opportunities from Foden’s cross and another attack, but Ramsdale saved the first and defenders blocked the follow-up.
Southampton responded with a counter in the 50th minute as Armstrong cut inside from the right and attempted a left-footed shot, but it failed to trouble Ederson.
In a bid to control the midfield, Southampton brought on Joe Aribo for Lallana in the 59th minute, aiming to bolster their attack and add creativity. City, however, maintained pressure, with Haaland missing another chance in the 63rd minute as he headed Savinho’s cross just wide.
Southampton continued to rotate their squad to shake things up, substituting Ryan Manning for James Bree in the 76th minute. Bree moved to the right wing-back slot while Walker-Peters shifted to the left. City made a late substitution, bringing on Ilkay Gündogan for Nunes in the 86th minute.
Southampton used their final substitutions, with Downs and Archer replaced by Kamaldeen Sulemana and Paul Onuachu.
Despite their determination to push for a late equalizer, Southampton found it difficult to break through City’s defensive pressure. City’s relentless control kept Southampton on the back foot until the final whistle, sealing a hard-fought victory that delighted the home fans at the Etihad.
