Manchester City defeated Southampton 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium, with an early goal from Erling Haaland.
The victory propelled City to the top of the Premier League, but a quality Southampton team put them to the test.
The game’s only goal came four minutes in, when Haaland reached out to tap in Matheus Nunes’ cross, barely keeping upright as he guided the ball past Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The goal follows Haaland’s spectacular acrobatic performance in City’s midweek Champions League match.
City dominated possession and threatened to extend their lead, yet Southampton’s defense held strong.
Despite playing out from the back under pressure, Russell Martin’s team nearly found an equalizer when Cameron Archer hit the crossbar after a quick counterattack.
The Saints’ persistence frustrated City, with several close calls from Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jack Stephens, who cleared a Haaland header off the line.
