Manchester City 2-1 Southampton: Aguero and Walker complete turnaround

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2019 by Goal.com

Kyle Walker's late goal helped Manchester City beat Southampton 2-1 to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Manchester City kept pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool after Kyle Walker struck late on to give them a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday.

A goalkeeping blunder by Ederson allowed James Ward-Prowse to give Southampton a surprise 13th-minute lead at Etihad Stadium.

City initially struggled to break down a resolute Southampton defence before Sergio Aguero eventually equalised when he fired past goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.

However, Walker latched on to Angelino's cross to slide the ball home and secure a win that means the champions remain six points behind Liverpool.

City had eased to a 3-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup during the week and, with Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne back, were expected to brush their opponents aside again.

However, this victory was far from routine for Pep Guardiola's side.

It was the visitors who led at half-time having scored against the run of play after a rare mistake by City goalkeeper Ederson, who spilled Stuart Armstrong's low shot and allowed the quick-thinking Ward-Prowse to lift the ball over the Brazilian from close range.

City monopolised possession in the remainder of the half but despite some slick passing moves they found Southampton's defence difficult to break down.

Saints had conceded nine goals in their last Premier League game against Leicester City, but Guardiola's side did not register a shot on target until the 70th minute.

It was, though, a decisive one as Aguero on to Walker's low cross and turned the ball home through the legs of McCarthy.

Walker went from provider to match-winner with 86 minutes played, timing his run into the box perfectly to meet Angelino's cross and emphatically striking the ball high into the net past McCarthy.