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Five Things We Learned: Manchester City 4-0 Southampton (Premier League)

Five Things We Learned: Manchester City 4-0 Southampton (Premier League)

Manchester City maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a 4-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester City maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a 4-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

It felt like another stroll in the park for Pep Guardiola's side, who took 20 minutes to open the scoring after such a dominant beginning to proceedings.

Joao Cancelo received the ball on the halfway line before dancing past multiple Saints defenders and slotting the ball past former Blue, Gavin Bazunu.

One became two just after the half-hour mark when the inform Phil Foden chipped the ball into the net following a delightful pass from Kevin De Bruyne.

Rodri was the provider for Riyad Mahrez just after half-time, who - on his return to the side - hit a sweet volley into the bottom left corner.

It felt like it was not going to be Erling Haaland's day, but the Norwegian finally found a yard of space in the box to slot home his 20th City goal in the 65th minute.

Here is what we learned from another important three points at the Etihad Stadium!


Joao's in a league of his own

It felt like a training exercise at times, but City's domination across Cancelo's 70 minute cameo was a joy to watch. His rhythm, range of passing and skillset was totally in tune yesterday and taking home Man of the Match was the least his ultra-impressive display deserved.

His goal showed everything a fully-firing Cancelo is about. The tenacity to break forward, a close control akin to an elite winger and a finish with the outside of his boot like... well Cancelo!

Joao Cancelo opens the scoring for City (Sportimage / Alamy)
Joao Cancelo opens the scoring for City (Sportimage / Alamy)


Aké continues to earn Pep's trust

There was a passage of play around 10 minutes from full-time where Nathan Aké raced back to cut out a dangerous Southampton attack that sums up his imperious form at the moment.

Sergio Gomez's loose pass forced the Dutchman into a two vs one scenario, but he forced his man wide before using his strength to shield the ball out of play.

It was met by a huge roar from the City faithful and even a rendition of 'Nathan Aké, baby!'. He's slowly becoming a fan favourite and has certainly earned Guardiola's trust at the heart of the defence.

Nathan Aké in Premier League action (Sportimage / Alamy)
Nathan Aké in Premier League action (Sportimage / Alamy)


Riyad Mahrez is back in business

After a slow start to the campaign, the Algerian international has scored two in two and looks somewhat back to his free-flowing best.

The success of Foden-Haaland-Grealish has caused Mahrez a massive issue so far, but it looks like he's starting to force his way back into the starting line-up ahead of a busy period of fixtures.

There is a reason the 31-year-old was the club's top goalscorer across last season and will want to finally kick-on before the World Cup break.

Mahrez scores for Manchester City (Sportimage / Alamy)
Mahrez scores for Manchester City (Sportimage / Alamy)


Foden, Haaland and De Bruyne have formed a deadly trio

They don't specifically play in the same area of the field, but you can't help getting excited at the prospect of what these three elite footballers can achieve together.

Foden and Haaland already have a telepathic connection in the forward line, but De Bruyne's link-up with the aforementioned duo is improving week-by-week.

It's exciting and could be the difference in the big games - starting with Liverpool next week.

Foden scores for City (PA Images / Alamy)
Foden scores for City (PA Images / Alamy)


Anfield ready

Speaking of Liverpool, it feels like this team is ready for its first real challenge.

Despite earning important victories over Manchester United and West Ham so far this season, next Sunday will be the first real test away from home.

Liverpool are struggling, but this fixture always lives up to its high expectations.

City are ready for Liverpool (PA Images / Alamy)
City are ready for Liverpool (PA Images / Alamy)

Featured Image Credit: PA Images / Alamy

Topics: Manchester City, Southampton, Premier League