Manchester City struck a controversial goalless draw at home to Southampton on Saturday following a difficult week for manager Pep Guardiola.
The Premier League champions were far less impressive against the Saints than they had been by beating RB Leipzig 6-3 midweek, a win that was overshadowed by Guardiola’s post-match commentary.
The Catalan manager shocked fans by appearing to question participation in another major home triumph, urging “all our people to come” for a fight against “so, so dangerous” Southampton.
Guardiola later insisted that his fan comments had been misinterpreted, but Southampton certainly lived up to their high pre-match billing and were disappointed to go home with just one point after a penalty. conceded in the second half against Kyle Walker was overturned, although Raheem Sterling also conceded a late goal.
Chances were few and far between until the penalty incident, though Che Adams shuffled to the side as pressure built up on City’s goal.
It looked like Southampton would have a huge opportunity to win at Etihad Stadium for the first time since 2004, when Walker knocked Adam Armstrong to the ground and was shown a red card per hour.
But referee Jon Moss was called to the sideline monitor and ruled in favor of City, giving Walker an unlikely respite.
City were well supported throughout – despite the clearly visible empty seats in the stands – but failed to capitalize on their tight escape, even with Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden ushered in from the bench.
Sterling looked to have stolen the win when he turned the rebound when Alex McCarthy arrived in the 90th minute of Foden’s header, yet another VAR review found the English striker just offside.
What does it mean? Sloppy City disappointing
Guardiola’s strength for absent fans has been City’s 16 goals in three previous Etihad games this season. Returning to the previous season, the reigning champions had won three consecutive league home games 5-0.
So this display fell short of expectations somewhat. In fact, City have only scored a single shot on goal out of 16 attempts – which is Foden’s late header – for their lowest comeback since also hitting goal only once against Stoke City in March. 2017.
Part of their work behind the lines in the second half was just as rebellious.
Armstrong so unfortunate
Ralph Hasenhuttl will surely wonder why the penalty decision was overturned when Walker didn’t appear to have won the ball while Armstrong hit on goal. For the Southampton striker, the penalty kick would have been the reward for a good performance.
He is never afraid to shoot, has had four attempts, but has also contested 11 duels and made two tackles, embodying a lively display by the Saints.
Kyle walks a fine line
Walker has precedents when it comes to reckless challenges in the box, last season he suffered three league penalties, a score matched only by Tottenham’s Davinson Sanchez.
Right-back himself seemed to expect the clash with Armstrong to add to that total, looking a little surprised and very relieved when referee Moss returned from the monitor with a new verdict.
What’s next?
City’s attention shifts to the EFL Cup and Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday, before a mammoth stretch that sees them face Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in succession. Southampton are at Sheffield United for the cup on Tuesday.
