The striker scored for the first time in four Premier League games in a slender win but also missed a slew of huge chances
Erling Haaland's domestic goal drought is over, but even though he proved the difference in an unexpectedly tight 1-0 win for Manchester City over Southampton, this was not a performance that banished any recent doubts. If anything, his blunt display confirmed the notion that the Norwegian is an enigma, capable of ridiculous athletic feats in one game and woeful misses in the next.
Haaland struck for the first time in four Premier League matches to give City an ideal start in what many people expected to be a bloodbath against the division's second-bottom team, sliding in to net a Matheus Nunes cross in the fifth minute. But he couldn't build on his fast start, despite having eight attempts on goal.
The Norwegian missed a near-open goal in the second half and then, receiving a dream cross with the net gaping in front of him, managed to head the ball backwards. Haaland was not the only one to have a bad day at the office, as City faced the unusual situation of seeing less of the ball than their opponents.
Southampton did very little with their possession, aside from attempts from Cameron Archer, who struck the bar, and Adam Armstrong at the end of each half. But they used holding on to the ball as a defensive mechanism and City were at a loss to know what to do. Still, Pep Guardiola's side recorded their seventh win of the season and extended their unbeaten home run to what is fast-approaching an incredible two years.
GOAL rates City's players from the Etihad Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (6/10):
Only had one save to make, parrying an Adam Armstrong shot, and rarely had to use his feet.
Rico Lewis (7/10):
Another assured performance, continuing to make Kyle Walker's absence go unnoticed.
Manuel Akanji (5/10):
Reliable for most of the game although lost track of Archer on a couple of occasions.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Sat the deepest of City's defenders and rarely troubled by Saints' shy attack.
Josko Gvardiol (8/10):
Used the ball very well to create attacks and shut them down, always looking composed.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Bernardo Silva (7/10):
Very aggressive with his pressing in the first half, repeatedly winning the ball back in the final third.
Mateo Kovacic (5/10):
Looked rusty, losing the ball too often. Had a hit-and-hope shot that Aaron Ramsdale pushed away.
Matheus Nunes (8/10):
Enjoying his new lease of life on the left wing, getting his third assist in two games and now understanding exactly what Guardiola wants from him.
Getty Images SportAttack
Savinho (8/10):
Carved the visitors open on numerous occasions and looked like being the best source of the second goal.
Erling Haaland (5/10):
Got off to an ideal start but should have done far more with his seven shots, missing two sitters and having one cleared off the line.
Phil Foden (5/10):
Had a frustrating afternoon, getting very few shooting opportunities and often under-hitting passes.
AFPSubs & Manager
Ilkay Gundogan (N/A):
Introduced late in the game to see it out.
John Stones (N/A):
Came on in the 95th minute.
Pep Guardiola (5/10):
Unexpectedly met his match in Russell Martin. Would have expected a far bigger win but the three points are worth the same and it will be at least two years without losing a home game in any competition.