Manchester City reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League with a narrow win over struggling Southampton, thanks to an early goal from Erling Haaland.
Haaland shrugged off Jan Bednarek to steer Matheus Nunes’ fifth-minute cross past Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, marking his 11th league goal of the season and suggesting a potentially decisive scoreline for the visitors.
However, Southampton’s resilient defending, coupled with some missed chances from City—Haaland included—added tension for the home side as the game neared its end.
The victory extended City’s unbeaten Premier League run to 32 games, leaving them just six weeks shy of marking an entire year without a league loss since their December 6 defeat to Aston Villa.
While Southampton’s defensive grit was commendable, the result did little to ease their position near the bottom of the table. Russell Martin’s side remains with a single point nearly a quarter into the season.
Southampton may find a glimmer of hope in history; the last time they failed to win any of their opening nine games, in the 1998-99 season, they ultimately avoided relegation. Martin, however, will be counting on the patience of the club’s owners as he aims to improve their fortunes in the Premier League.