EPL: Man City return to league summit with Southampton win

Manchester City returned to the top of the English Premier League standings following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.

The only goal of the encounter was scored in the fifth minute through Norwegian forward Erling Haaland, who connected with Matheus Luiz Nunes’s dangerous cross inside the box.

Despite missing three clear opportunities in the match, Haaland is a frontrunner in the race for the Golden Boot with 11 goals, three goals more than Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

Victory over the Saints also extended City’s unbeaten run at the Etihad Stadium to 35 EPL games.

At the helm of the Premier League standings with 23 points, the champions have a two-point lead over second-placed Liverpool.

Liverpool could, however, reclaim top spot in Sunday’s mouthwatering clash with Arsenal, where online bookmakers are paying +150 for the Gunners to beat the Reds (+200) at the Emirates.

Speaking after the win, Pep Guardiola was happy to once again top the league.

“I prefer to be top than not being top but it’s not the point,” said the City boss.

“Today we created chances and we could have scored two or three goals, the expected goals is much better.

“But I have to admit it was a demanding game for us. Such a demanding game for us.”

The Spaniard also praised Haaland for being the difference-maker in the tough encounter.

“Many times it happened. It’s not the first time that thanks to Erling we won the game,” Pep said.

“I would say he scored the goal to win the game. It was important at the start.”

Manchester City will be away to Bournemouth in the EPL next Saturday, and leading bookmaker Bovada are backing the champions as -163.93 favourites to beat the Cherries (+430).

Meanwhile, Southampton will host 15th-placed Everton next Saturday, with leading soccer betting sites paying +155 for the Saints to beat the Toffees (+170).

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