Business was restored by Manchester City after suffering their first defeat in 28 games by losing to Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. 

City cruised past Southampton by winning 5-2 in what was a dominant performance for Pep Guardiola’s side as they prepare to face Borussia Monchengladbach in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Manchester City’s win takes them back to 14 points clear of neighbours Manchester United at the top of the Premier League with 9 games to go for Guardiola’s team.

The Citizens started the game slowly but Kevin de Bruyne managed to score a rebound goal in the 15th minute to put the Premier League favourites a goal ahead.

Saints captain James Ward-Prowse made it 1-1, however, from the penalty spot 10 minutes later.

Man City did not stop their relentless on the attacking end. Algerian Riyad Mahrez made it 2-1 in the 40th minute and German Ilkay Gundogan made it 3 just before the half-time whistle giving the league leaders a nice cushion going into the second half.

The 2-goal advantage gave Guardiola and opportunity to rest some of his key players with one eye on the Champions League tie but the squad depth of City is incredible.

Mahrez bagged his second goal of the game 10 minutes into the second half but Che Adams scored right away to pull one back to make it 4-2.

Kevin de Bruyne also notched up his second goal of the game just 3 minutes later in the 59th minute to kill the game off at 5-2.

 

City were clinical and could have had more goals in the game and Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration with the refereeing and the VAR not giving an apparently “clear” penalty after Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy tripped Phil Foden in the penalty area.

“It is just incredible that penalty was not given”, said Pep who was otherwise happy with the performance.

“One day they are going to explain why. I do not understand it.”

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was not too disappointed with his side’s efforts saying, “I think we played quite well, I must say, even though we conceded 5 goals.

“We were very brave with the ball at times. It’s the final quality that is missing.”

City need just 16 points in their remaining 9 games to regain the Premier League title. They may need even less if United ends up dropping any more points in their quest of chasing their neighbours.

Guardiola’s side are well and truly in the hunt for winning all competitions this season.