The Catalan has lost three consecutive away games for the first time in his illustrious managerial career.
Manchester City’s defeat in Southampton marked an unwanted career milestone for boss Pep Guardiola, who has now lost three consecutive league games for the first time as manager.
Guardiola’s team had 74 percent possession and the best chances on the south coast, scoring 26 shots on goal and winning 13 corners, but faced a well-mounted Southampton rear guard.
Even when they broke the Saints ‘bottom line, they found goalkeeper Alex McCarthy inspired, which means Che Adams’ long reach over Ederson in the first half was enough to give Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team all three points.
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The result completes a sad hat-trick of losses for former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola, taking Manchester’s 2-0 loss at the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford and the reverse 2-1 of the month. passed against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The loss in West London also yielded the Premier League trophy to Liverpool after consecutive title successes at Etihad Stadium, with Jurgen Klopp’s team now 23 points clear at the top.
City sent a message with a 4-0 win over Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on Thursday, their fourth straight home win without conceding a goal, but this latest loss on the road means they have now lost nine Premier League games this season, Most have lost in a single campaign since they lost 10 games to Manuel Pellegrini in 2015-16.
City finished fourth that year with 66 points, the same as his current tally, with Guardiola beating the Argentine in the hot seat at Etihad that summer.
Although the league has proven to be a disappointment for City, they could still end the season with three trophies. Having retained the Carabao Cup in March, Guardiola’s team beat Newcastle at St James’ Park last month to establish an FA Cup semi-final with Arsenal at Wembley.
They also have a 2-1 lead over Real Madrid after the first leg of their last Champions League championship in the last 16, and the second match is slated for when European football returns next month.
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