Ederson He threw a ball on the ground in the middle of Southampton from the start to indicate its use in construction moves. Caught by the goal, but Zinchenko gave him little chance to return. He had very little to do, but it went well to stop a counter in the second half. 7 7
Cancel A nice touch and smart runs to the right made him a useful option on the flank, able to overlap or play with his teammates on the right side of the box. Occasionally he didn’t compromise on his defensive duties and vanished after the break, but he was one of the City’s best players. 7 7
Garcia Calm and collected, barking instructions to his older teammates. Southampton tried to play him as the last man, but never gave them a chance to jump. 7 7
Laporte He kicked through the air to allow for the early possibility that Redmond might have buried, but then established himself to be the anchor City needed in the back. Some encouraging forays into the opposition box also when the blues pressed for an equalizer 7 7
Zinchenko He gave the ball cheaply and cost City the opening goal. He didn’t really improve after that in half, losing the ball on several other occasions. Improved after the break and more comfortable in the Southampton half, but he won’t have toppled Mendy in this performance. 5 5
Fernandinho Part midfielder, part defender, and gave the impression that he was a little rusty when asked to play later with Southampton finding more joy beyond him than the opposition sides. You might have seen a second yellow for a wild charge. 5 5
Silva The city metronome, with the team looking at its best balance when on the ball. Even better to find space in the box than to punish the goalkeepers with him and he was denied twice from good positions. 8
Bernard There are glimpses of the player who was the best in the league last season, but too often the finishing touch or the ball went away to leave another frustrating afternoon. One level below the other players in their position at the moment. 6 6
Mahrez Some good runs behind the Southampton defense and his direct approach was welcome, but he stayed out of the game for long periods and was replaced before the hour mark. 6 6
Pound sterling He entered the game after a smooth start and worked well with Zinchenko on the left side in the second half. He worked some promising opportunities but nothing came out. 7 7
Jesus Another game without a goal. Not for lack of trying, and there were no obvious flaws, but there was some chance that they wouldn’t find the net that would do nothing for the confidence of a player who needs to build up. 6 6
Substitutes
Foden (for Mahrez, 59) He wasn’t able to influence the game as much as he has recently. 6 6
From Bruyne (to Sterling, 59) When even his pass range is off, it won’t be city day. 6 6
Not used: Bravo, Stones, Gundogan, Rodrigo, Otamendi, Doyle, Harwood-Bellis
.
