Southampton lose 1-4 to Man City to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal with a brace from Erling Haaland.

Manchester City defeated Southampton 4-1 on Saturday to maintain pressure on league leaders Arsenal.

In the first 45 minutes, the struggling Saints made life difficult for City, but a brilliant cross in the closing stages allowed Erling Haaland to easily head home the opener.

City went on to complete another routine win with three goals in the second half. Grealish’s early finish, coming at the second attempt after a Bazunu save, doubled their lead in the first half, before the Englishman provided the assist for Haaland’s second goal, an outstanding acrobatic volley.

Southampton’s substitute Mara responded with a calm finish, but the celebrations had barely died down when City won a penalty, which Alvarez converted for their fourth goal. Dominant, relentless, and free-scoring, City cut Arsenal’s lead at the top to five points on the south coast, with their key men rising to the occasion.

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City has recorded his 100th Premier League assist (99 for Man City, 1 for Chelsea). He is the fifth player to reach the mark, and he has done so in fewer games (237) than the previous four.

Erling Haaland has 44 goals in all competitions for Manchester City this season, which is tied for the most by a Premier League player in a single season with Ruud van Nistelrooy (2002-03) and Mohamed Salah (2017-18).

Southampton has conceded four or more goals in a Premier League game for the fourth time this season, tying them for the most in a single season in the competition.