SOU vs MCI
Match Centre

FULL TIME: Saints 1-4 Man City

The heartbreak continues for Southampton who are beaten by title contenders Man City. Saints held their own in a first half of football that saw them frequently on the front foot but Erling Haaland's opener handed City the only push they needed to go on. A goal from Sékou Mara gave Saints a glimmer of hope, but that was quickly cancelled out as Julián Alvarez netted from the spot. Eight to go. 

Lull in the action

With the visitors confidently ahead and just minutes left to play, the tempo has decreased significantly at St Mary's. City are in complete control of the ball. 

Southampton substitution: Romain Perraud replaces Theo Walcott

Southampton substitution: Ibrahima Diallo replaces Roméo Lavia

One last roll of the dice from Rubén Sellés as a further two changes are made. Lavia forced off after picking up a knock. 

Bazunu forced into action again

The pressure from City is relentless as Gavin Bazunu is forced into another save at St Mary's. Bernardo Silva looks set to add a fifth for the visitors but with plenty of bodies in the box, Saints limit the damage. 

GOALSCORER 18 Sékou Mara

Mara pulls one back

Instant impact from the Saints substitutes as Moussa Djenepo dances his way past three Manchester City defenders before crossing the ball into Sékou Mara who remains cool and composed before firing his shot past Ederson. Game on? 

Southampton substitution: Moussa Djenepo replaces Carlos Alcaraz

Southampton substitution: Sékou Mara replaces Kamaldeen Sulemana

Rubén Sellés can now make a double change. 

Bazunu makes crucial save

Great initiative from Gavin Bazunu who recovers the ball from the feet of Bernardo Silva. City are firmly in control in SO14. 

Saints still fighting

A dizzying run from Kyle Walker-Peters who makes his way to the edge of the area before he's dispossessed. The fight is still there from the Saints players. 

Southampton substitution: Stuart Armstrong replaces Mohamed Elyounoussi

A first change for Saints. 

Saints looking for an early equaliser

Theo Walcott earns a free-kick in the attacking half early on in the second half. James Ward-Prowse finds the head of Armel Bella-Kotchap inside the area but he fails to control the ball and it fires high and wide of the goal. 

Back to work 👊

Let's go, Saints!

HALF TIME: Saints 0-1 Man City

Opportunity escapes 

Another golden opportunity slips away for Rubén Sellés's men. Roméo Lavia works his way past Rodri before cutting in Kamaldeen Sulemana, who slices the ball across the goal. He beats Ederson but there's no Saints player there to greet it. 

Wasted opportunity for Saints

James Ward-Prowse plays the free-kick short to Ainsley Maitland-Niles, the pair play a quick one-two before the Arsenal loanee curls in a wasteful cross into the area, with no Saints player there to receive. 

Silky footwork from Kamaldeen

Beautiful footwork from Kamaldeen Sulemana who gets his way past Manuel Akanji before firing a ball across the six-yard-box. He fails to find the head of a Saints player, but it's clear the youngster is adding a much needed spark at St Mary's.

Encouraging signs from Saints

More encouraging play from Saints as Kyle Walker-Peters charges down the left flank and into the area, his cross in is deflected back to Moi Elyounoussi who bends a ball into Charly Alcaraz but it's got a little too much on for the Argentine. 

Saints utilising the left flank

A lovely bit of link-up play between Moi Elyounoussi and Kamaldeen Sulemana down the left-flank provides another opportunity for Saints to challenge the City defence but a decisive challenge breaks up the attack. 

Kamaldeen runs out of steam

A huge opportunity missed for Saints as Kamaldeen Sulemana finds himself free to hit the counter from Kevin De Bruyne's corner. The Ghanaian international charges the length of the pitch, going toe-to-toe with City's Nathan Ake but the youngster takes it too far and Ederson comes out to make an easy grab. 

Alcaraz finds space

Charly Alcaraz slices the ball across the six-yard-box but there's nobody inside the area to tap it home. A positive start from Rubén Sellés's men. 

Underway at St Mary's 😇

Come on you Saints!

Warm ups ✅

Matchdays at St Mary's ❤️

Rubén Sellés previews Man City 🎙

Hear what the boss had to say ahead of this afternoon's clash. 

Saints line-up confirmed 😇

Starting XI: Bazunu, Maitland-Niles, Bella-Kotchap, Bednarek, Walker-Peters, Lavia, Ward-Prowse [c], Elyounoussi, Walcott, Alcaraz, Kamaldeen.

In the office 📍

I see a team that wants to do things, wants to work hard. It’s a positive environment and we didn’t have victory in the last four games but we had some good performances, we were close in some games, but we keep going."

rubén Sellés

on facing manchester city

Last time out vs Manchester City ⏮

Two goals in quick succession from Sékou Mara and Moussa Djenepo ensured Cabarao Cup progression for Saints when the two sides met at St Mary's back in January. 

Sold out St Mary's 😇

It's a huge day in SO14 as Southampton play host to Manchester City in the Premier League in front of a sold out St Mary's. Three points would be huge for either side as they compete at either end of the league table. Come on you Saints!