Player Ratings: Southampton FC vs Manchester City

Result

Southampton played host to Manchester City in the quarter-final of the FA Cup on Sunday.

City headed into the game as favourites, but the Saints were likely boosted by the fact they have earned two draws against the Sky Blues already this seaosn.

In the end, though, Man City proved too much for them on this occasion. Raheem Sterling opened the scoring after 11 minutes, capitalising on a poor Jack Stephens clearance.

Right place. Right time.@sterling7 is @ManCity #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/zCtyf9XnNM

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 20, 2022

Southampton continued to press though and were rewarded for their efforts when Mohamed Elyounoussi chased down a through ball and saw his cross put into the City net by Laporte.

A cruel deflection off of @Laporte sees the ball end up in his own goal.#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/6aVSbIsEGq

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 20, 2022

But in the end, Man City’s quality shone through with goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez coming in the second half to book City a place at Wembley along with Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

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Southampton player ratings

Fraser Forster (4) – Not much he could have done about the opener. Went the right way for Kevin De Bruyne’s penalty but didn’t get down quick enough.

Kyle Walker-Peters (5) – Kept Grealish fairly quite for much of the game. Less joy when the City subs came on.

Jack Stephens (4) – Awful clearance that led to Sterling’s opener. Made a few decent challenges after that but was ultimately unable to deal with City’s attack.

Mohammed Salisu (3.5) – Did well to usher Raheem Sterling wide when the City man was through on goal early on. Gave away a penalty in the second half though and failed to clear the ball properly in the build up to Foden’s goal.

Tino Livramento (6) – Another bright showing from the former Chelsea man, pressing high and making numerous tackles. Also caused City problems going forward.

Stuart Armstrong (5.5) – Clever ball into the City box in the build-up to Laporte’s own goal.

Oriol Romeu (6) – Excellent through ball to carve City open after 10 minutes which  Adam Armstrong really should have scored from.

James Ward-Prowse (5) – Struggled to deal with Manchester City’s midfield, especially once Foden and Mahrez came on.

Mohamed Elyounoussi (7) – Good run and cross that led to Southampton equaliser. Set up Che Adams who missed a big chance late on.

Shane Long (5.5) – Worked his socks off on the day and pressed well but lacked the quality in front of goal.

Adam Armstrong (5.5) – Unlucky not to score 10 minutes in, hitting the post instead. Off after 63 minutes.

Subs

Che Adams (4.5) – Should have done better when getting on the end of an Elyounoussi cross.

Armando Broja (4)– Little impact when he came on.

Moussa Djenpo (3) – Unable to cause City any problems when brought on.

William Smallbone (N/A) – Only only for a few minutes.

Ibrahima Diallo (N/A) – Only only for a few minutes.

Manchester City player ratings

Zack Steffen (5.5) – Hesitated when coming out for a through ball which ultimately led tot Southampton’s equaliser. Made a few decent saves after his error.

Kyle Walker (6) – A quiet but solid display from the full-back.

John Stones (6) – Not the worst game but had some trouble dealing with Long and Armstrong’s press.

Aymeric Laporte (5) – Southampton’s equaliser was an own goal from Laporte, though there was not much he could have done about it.

Joao Cancelo (6.5) – Excellent going forward once again, nearly assisting Gundogan early on who hit the post.  Off after 82 minutes.

Rodri (7) – Another stellar outing from Rodri, passing was brilliant and he broke up play well.

Kevin De Bruyne (7) – Not the Belgian’s most impressive game but did score a penalty.

Ilkay Gundogan (6) – Should have scored 26 minutes in but hit the post. Could have done more.

Jack Grealish (6) – Not his brightest display but did play in Jesus before he was fouled for a penalty. Taken off right after the spot-kick.

Gabriel Jesus (6.5) – Won the penalty for Manchester City’s second goal. Taken off straight after that.

Raheem Sterling (7.5) – Probably should have scored when slipped in by Gundogan after eight minutes. Made up for his poor finish three minutes later when he opened the scoring.

Subs

Phil Foden (7) – Killed the game off with a stunning strike 75 minutes in.

Riyad Mahrez (7) – Scuffed a big chance 71 minutes in but eventually got his goal seven minutes later.

Fernandinho (N/A) – Not on the pitch long enough to have much impact.

Nathan Ake (N/A) – Not on the pitch long enough to have much impact.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (N/A) – Not on the pitch long enough to have much impact.

What they said

Pep Guardiola: “We started well, for the first 20-25 minutes but for the last 15 of the first half we forgot to play, knowing that this would be difficult because Southampton is one of the best, most organised teams we face all season.

“They push you with incredible intensity but the goal we conceded was a consequence of us forgetting to play.

“The second half was much better, in personality and play. They had one chance for Che Adams, at 2-1, but the quality of our players up front made the difference.

“It was not a comfortable victory but now we go into the international break, there are two months left in the season and we are in three competitions – semi-final of the FA Cup, quarter-final of the Champions League and top of the league. We know every game is a final and we knew it was important not to lose today.”

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