Erling Haaland, who scored a goal but could have had a hat trick if not for missing two open chances, led Manchester City to victory and put pressure on Liverpool, who will lose their top spot on Sunday if they fail to beat Arsenal. 

Pep Guardiola’s team, fresh off their Champions League win against Sparta Prague, made four lineup changes, giving Matheus Nunes an opportunity after his two assists and one goal against the Czech side.

The Portuguese player delivered again. His cross set up City’s 1-0 lead, with Haaland connecting despite Jan Bednarek’s attempts to hold him back. Although less acrobatic than his backheel goal against Sparta Prague, it was just as effective. Had he not scored, City likely would have been awarded a penalty for Bednarek’s pull.

With just five minutes in, City had done the hard part and focused on dominating the match, without creating many chances, until stoppage time in the first half when Southampton had their clearest – and only – opportunity of the game.

A City error allowed Cameron Archer to enter the area alone and shoot with force, hitting the crossbar. Ederson’s goal and the Etihad Stadium shook, seeing how close the score was, so City came out determined in the second half with several chances to extend their lead.

Phil Foden gave the first warning with a low shot that missed the post, but it was Haaland who should have sealed the game. First, a header was cleared off the line, and then he missed two open chances at the far post, one with his left foot and another with his head. Having broken a three-game scoreless streak, Haaland could hardly believe he missed these two opportunities. 

It was a perfect chance to widen his lead in the Premier League Golden Boot race, but both Haaland and City had to settle for the 1-0 result—a narrow win but enough, especially after their midweek Champions League effort.