Manchester City got back to winning ways after brushing aside Southampton at the Etihad 3-1 last night, thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Aleksandar Kolarov and a first for new signing Fabian Delph.
Shane Long got on the scoresheet in Graziano Pelle’s absence to secure a consolation for the Saints. The win lifted the Sky Blues to the top of the table, level on points with Leicester City and only ahead on goal difference.
Manchester City
Willy Caballero – 7.5: The Argentine stepped-up well in the absence of first-choice keeper Joe Hart, making some outstanding saves in the second-half.
Bacary Sagna – 6: Stuck to his defensive task without making too much effort to get up the pitch.
Martin Demichelis – 4: Still the weakest link among the City defenders. Allowed Shane Long to easily get in the header to score.
Nicolas Otamendi – 6: A lot of improvement compared to his last outing, was rock solid at the back.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 8: Top showing from the Serbian, putting in a flawless defensive performance and also getting on the scoresheet with an extraordinary effort.
Yaya Toure – 7.5: The typical Toure effort that we love to see. Opened up the play well with some darting runs.
Fernandinho – 7: The Brazilian has been consistent throughout the season and this game was no exception. Held the midfield well but was lucky not to give away a penalty.
Fabian Delph – 7.5: Put a good shift in midfield and even recorded his first City goal via a deflection.
Kevin De Bruyne 9: The Belgian outclassed everyone on the night and was involved in all of City’s goals, scoring one and assisting the other two.
Raheem Sterling – 8: Gave stand-in right-back Maya Yoshida a torrid time. Pounced on a loose giveaway from the defender to set up De Bruyne’s opener.
Sergio Aguero – 6: Had little luck upfront as he was well watched by the Saints centre-backs. Limped-off with an ankle injury in the second-half.
Substitutes
Fernando – 6: Brought on to replace Delph and strengthened the midfield to see out the win.
David Silva – 5: Replaced Sterling for the final 15 minutes, getting some much needed game-time in the process.
Wilfried Bony – 4: Came on for Aguero in the second-half but completely scuffed his only opportunity in the game.
Kevin De Bruyne's game by numbers vs. Southampton:
86% pass accuracy
4 chances created
2 assists
1 goalTop game. pic.twitter.com/aXK3135EIL
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 28, 2015
