John Stones’ first-half howler gifted the Saints the opener, but they more than earned their point at the Etihad Stadium.
Yet more frustration descends upon Pep Guardiola as Southampton roll on home with a point from the Etihad Stadium.
Like against Inter Milan on Thursday, Claude Puel’s side demonstrated that they can compete even in the most daunting of away trips and, unlike against Inter on Thursday, they claimed a deserved reward.
However, it is now five games without a win for Guardiola. A little bit of context however; last time the Catalan embarked on such a run, he emerged to win the treble.
But who stood out at the Etihad in Sunday’s strategic stalemate?
Manchester City
Claudio Bravo 6
Blameless for the opening goal (despite what Graeme Souness may think). His determination to play out from the back almost cost his less composed team-mates, however, but made a strong parry to deny Austin late on.
John Stones 5
Another nightmare mistake after a chastening night in the Camp Nou. Stones’ under-hit back pass gifted Southampton the lead and a traumatic period continued when his apparent equaliser was ruled out for an offside against Aguero. Gave possession away cheaply on a few further occasions, suggesting his decision making still needs to be honed.
Vincent Kompany 6 (off ’78)
Stepped up at precisely the wrong time to allow Redmond in to score following his partners’ error before picking up a booking for a late lunge on Van Dijk.
Aleksandar Kolarov 5
Struggled positionally on occasions on the left of a three-man defence, in particular allowing Austin’s late chance. Also less reliable on the ball than usual.
Fernandinho 6
Struggled to influence the game consistently from the base of the midfield, but laid the foundations for the equaliser with an exquisite, first-time Crossfield ball for Sane.
Ilkay Gundogan 7
City’s most efficient creator, Gundogan’s ability to drift between the lines and find pockets of space caused problems for an otherwise secure Saints midfield. Had one neat effort tipped away by Forster before slipping in Silva for a shot with a nicely weighted through ball.
David Silva 6
An unusually quiet display from the Spaniard. The energetic presence of Romeu and Davis meant Silva struggled to find pockets of space and time on the ball.
Kevin De Bruyne 6 (off ’45)
An outstanding set-piece delivery made Stones’ apparent equaliser a formality, though the linesman’s flag ruined the Belgian’s good work. Replaced at the break, however, after giving away possession too cheaply in the final third while attempting to rush City into gear.
Raheem Sterling 7
Struggled to make an impact on the left in the opening 45 so switched to the right flank in the second to great effect. Tormented young McQueen and delivered a series of threatening crosses after the interval, one of which Iheanacho or Aguero should have transformed into a goal.
Leroy Sane 6 (off ’90)
An almost restricted display from the young German, who’s dazzling dribbling ability was conspicuous by its absence. However, he created the equaliser with an accurate pass into Iheanacho. More to come.
Sergio Aguero 6
Dominated physically by Fonte and Van Dijk in the first half but Guardiola’s introduction of Iheanacho at the break allowed the Argentine to drop deeper and influence the game. One fine run from inside his own half late on resulted in a week shot wide of the far post.
Substitutes
Kelechi Iheanacho 7 (on ’45)
A typically lethal impact from the young Nigerian, who’s goals-to-games ratio remains breath-taking. Minutes after coming on, his sweet left footed finish drew City level although, the deeper Southampton sat, the less service Iheanacho received.
Jesus Navas 5 (‘on 78)
Introduced to add pass and directness on the flanks.
Nolito 5 (on ’90)
On too late to make an impact.
Southampton
Fraser Forster 6
The fact he had very little to do in the first half speaks volumes about his team-mates organisation and City’s overriding toothlessness. Remained sharp when called into action in the second, however, getting in the way of decent attempts from Gundogan and Silva.
Cuco Martina 6
Struggled to get forward as much as usual due to the presence of Sterling and then Sane on his side, but still offered an efficient outlet when required. However, he could have done more to block Sane’s cross for the equaliser.
Jose Fonte 8
Led by example as City turned on the pressure in the second half with a number of well timed tackles and clearances. Barely gave Aguero a sniff.
Virgil Van Dijk 7
Once again excellent pushing forwards to support the attack, with one 30 yard run halted crudely by Kompany. Like against Inter on Thursday, however, he was caught on his heels by a simple cross, allowing Iheanacho to dart in front of him to net the equaliser.
Sam McQueen 6
Endured a difficult second half against the rampant Sterling but, despite failing to get in the way of his delightful crosses, McQueen remained solid one on one.
Oriol Romeu 8 Man of the Match
Another impressive performance from the unsung lynch pin of Claude Puel’s side. Battled relentlessly throughout and did the dirty work effectively, out muscling Aguero and Sterling in threatening positions.
Jordy Clasie 5 (off ’68)
The weakest of Southampton’s midfield trio by far, Clasie gifted away possession early on and picked up a needless booking for a clumsy foul. Plus, two wild attempts at goal highlighted another erratic display.
Steven Davis 7
Energetic and industrious as always, the experienced Davis bailed out McQueen when Sane wriggled into the box early on and constantly looked to push forwards in transition.
Nathan Redmond 7
Another well-taken goal from the in-form wide man. Although Stones’ error will hog the headlines, Redmond’s composure and clinical finish under pressure was commendable.
Dusan Tadic 6
A constant threat down the right, but Tadic’s use of the ball and decision making fluctuated between the impressive and the baffling. On one such occasion, he elected to stall before drifting a harmless cross into Bravo’s arms despite McQueen racing beyond him into the box.
Charlie Austin 6 (off ’83)
His well-hit shot late on was one of the few occasions Austin found the ball at his feet in a threatening position. However, his hold up play and ability to win free-kicks proved invaluable as City upped the ante.
Substitutes
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 6 (on ’68)
Introduced to add guile and graft in the centre.
Sofiane Boufal 5 (on ’70)
The club-record signing demonstrated his potential with a clever pass to play in Austin but, overall, his short cameo was characterised by poor decision making and a series of needless tricks which simply gifted the ball back to his opponents.
James Ward-Prowse (on ‘83’)
Helped shore up the midfield late on.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
