Ederson Pinged a ball across the floor into the Southampton half early on to signal his use building moves. Caught out for the goal, but Zinchenko gave him little chance to get back. Had very little to do otherwise but came out well to stop a counter in the second half. 7
Cancelo Good touch and intelligent runs down the right made him a useful option on the flank, able to overlap or play teammates in on the right side of the box. Occasionally less than committed with his defensive duties and faded after the break but one of City’s best players. 7
Garcia Calm and composed, barking out instructions to his more senior teammates. Southampton tried to play on him as the last man but never gave them an opportunity to pounce. 7
Laporte Kicked the air to allow early chance that Redmond could have buried, but settled after that to be the anchor that City needed at the back. Some encouraging forays into the opposition box too as the Blues pushed for an equaliser 7
Zinchenko Gave the ball away cheaply and it cost City the opening goal. Didn’t really improve after that in the half, losing the ball on a number of other occasions. Improved after the break and more comfortable in the Southampton half but won’t have ousted Mendy on this performance 5
Fernandinho Part midfielder, part defender, and gave the impression that he was a bit rusty when asked to play further forward with Southampton finding more joy beyond him than opposition sides usually do. Could have seen a second yellow for a wild charge. 5
Silva City’s metronome, with the team looking at their most poised when he was on the ball. Still better at finding space in the box than punishing goalkeepers with it and was denied twice from good positions. 8
Bernardo There are glimpses of the player that was the best in the league last season but too often the final touch or ball was off to leave another frustrating afternoon. A level below the other players in his position at the moment 6
Mahrez A few nice runs in behind the Southampton defence and his direct approach was welcome, but was kept out of the game for large periods and substituted before the hour mark. 6
Sterling Came into the game after a quiet start and worked well with Zinchenko on the left side in the second half. Worked some promising opportunities but nothing came off. 7
Jesus Another game without a goal. Not for want of trying, and there weren’t any glaring misses, but there were a few half-chances that didn’t find the net that won’t do anything for the confidence of a player who needs building up. 6
Substitutes
Foden (for Mahrez, 59) Wasn’t able to influence the game as much as he has done recently. 6
De Bruyne (for Sterling, 59) When even his passing range is off, it isn’t going to be City’s day. 6
Not used: Bravo, Stones, Gundogan, Rodrigo, Otamendi, Doyle, Harwood-Bellis
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