Manchester City were at their brilliant best once again on Saturday afternoon with a 4-0 thrashing of Southampton.
After being restricted to two draws against the Saints in the Premier League last season, the Sky Blues seemed determined to emphasise the gulf in class between both sides this time around.
From start to finish, Manchester City were in complete control of proceedings and were rewarded on the balance of play in the 20th minute with an impeccable strike from Joao Cancelo.
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The versatile full-back exhibited his quick feet to leave Kyle Walker-Peters for dead, before finding the back of the net with his weaker foot.
Just 12 minutes later, Phil Foden got on the end of an incisive Kevin De Bruyne pass to dink the ball past Gavin Bazunu and take his goal tally to an impressive six in nine league matches.
As City continued to maintain their stranglehold over the balance of play, their efforts were rewarded right after the second half, with an exquisite volley from Riyad Mahrez putting the hosts into a 3-0 lead.
With an anticipatory Etihad Stadium waiting with bated breath for the inevitable strike from Erling Haaland, the Norwegian did not disappoint, getting on the end of an inch-perfect low cross from Joao Cancelo to take his goal tally to 20 across all competitions.
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After a perfect outing for his side against an out-of-form Southampton side, Pep Guardiola reacted to the result.
“The result is good, we play quite good," the Manchester City boss opened.
"We struggled to break their high pressing. Last season, we suffered a lot against them but today, we were much better.
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"Some players were not at their best but we create a lot of chances. We were solid. It was a good game."
Pep Guardiola went on to pinpoint the impact from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland on the contest and overall this season as well.
“For a long time, Phil Foden is playing really good," he said.
"The impact from him is great. Erling Haaland had the chances again. He scored a brilliant goal.
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"It's an incredible weapon for us, a big threat. I am so satisfied.”
The Catalan coach also discussed the importance of keeping pace with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, by saying, “Being close to the top of the league is important going into the World Cup.”
All in all, Pep Guardiola seems to be chuffed by Manchester City’s performance against Southampton, as is the unanimous feeling amongst the fanbase.
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Manchester City, Southampton, Premier League, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand