In the end, City ran out 3-1 winners, although Manuel Pellegrini’s side were made to work hard for the win, with Saints getting it back to 2-1 five minutes into the second-half, before Aleksandar Kolarov’s goal gave the home side the breathing space they needed.
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City may have paid over the odds for De Bruyne, but the Belgium global can not be accused of failing to produce. Ronald Koeman has backed Shane Long to spearhead Southampton’s attack at Manchester City in the absence of suspended top-scorer Graziano Pelle.
They’re still only a couple of points adrift of Premier League leaders Leicester City, but will be anxious to return to the early season form that saw them establish themselves as favorites for the league title. The Belgian’s opener came after Saints defender Maya Yoshida was dispossessed and throughout the game, City were sharp and quick to the ball. “If you lose the ball to players like (Raheem) Sterling, you know they will punish you”. Fabian Delph scores, courtesy of a massive deflection off the heel of Van Dijk.
Van Dijk sought to make amends for his part in City’s second goal, when he rifled a shot that hit the post in the 22nd minute. The centre-back finds himself on the ball in the final third for some unspecified reason, but he takes advantage with a handsome turn and a thunderous strike that crashes against the crossbar. Long follows up with a decent effort of his own, but Caballero is straight back to his feet to make a second strong stop.
De Bruyne and Silva have started only twice together for City, the 2-1 victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach and the 6-1 trouncing of Newcastle United in October, the game in which Silva was injured.
Pellegrini is pleased with the way De Bruyne, who scored 16 goals and recorded 27 assists for Wolfsburg last season, has slotted into the City team. “It was not an easy week”, Pellegrini said.
City will be without Joe Hart, who has a muscle injury, meaning Willy will start in goal, while Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala will also be missing for the hosts.
Kevin De Bruyne continued his fine first season with Manchester City by playing a part in all three of his side’s goals on Saturday.
“He will get some minutes, get some confidence and that’s good for us because we have had some injuries”.
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In his withdrawn manner, Pellegrini praised De Bruyne.
