Pep: Patience key to win over Southampton

Manchester: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola felt his side’s patience and attacking intensity were key in their 2-1 win over gutsy Southampton that keeps them six points behind leaders Liverpool.

City trailed to an early James Ward-Prowse goal and did not equalise until Sergio Aguero scored with their first shot on target on 70 minutes, with Kyle Walker hitting their late winner.

“Southampton defended with 11 men in the 18-yard box so there were no spaces to attack,” Guardiola said afterwards.

“We just had to be patient, putting in crosses and trying to win the second balls, but at the same time we were constantly attacking and were very aggressive in our actions.

“It was difficult after we conceded but our rhythm was high from the first minute and we had incredibly good momentum in the first half.

“In the second half we had maybe 30 or 35 minutes where we were so intense in our actions. It was not easy, but that is why we did it and could make the comeback in the end.”

With Liverpool simultaneously staging a similar last-gasp rescue act to overcome Aston Villa, it was a dramatic day at the top of the table that leaves the top two as they were, a week before they meet at Anfield.

The overriding emotion on the final whistle at the Etihad Stadium was still relief at City’s triumph, with the focus from the champions on securing three points rather than any potential Liverpool slip-up.

Saints came within minutes of leaving Manchester with a remarkable point, just eight days after shipping nine goals at home to Leicester, before Walker’s volley gave the hosts a vital victory. Southampton had taken an unlikely early lead when Ward-Prowse pounced on an Ederson error and they held out until Aguero hammered home Walker’s cross with 20 minutes to go.

City’s struggle to turn their possession into clear chances was testament to Southampton’s incredible defensive display.

The visitors’ resistance was only ended when Angelino’s cross was not cleared and Walker buried the loose ball for his first City goal since January.