Man City thrash Southampton 3-0 to move up to second

Toure, Lampard and Clichy score in The Citizen’s Premier League win

LONDON: Sergio Aguero created two goals as champions Manchester City leapfrogged Southampton into second place in the Premier League table with a 3-0 victory at St Mary's on Sunday.

Yaya Toure drilled home Aguero's pass in the 51st minute and although City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala was then sent off for a second yellow, late goals by substitute Frank Lampard and Gael Clichy secured victory for the visitors.

Victory was not completely without complications, however, as a late injury to Vincent Kompany obliged them to see out the game with nine men.

It was a first home defeat since April for Southampton, who have embarked upon a testing sequence of fixtures that continues with Arsenal's visit on Wednesday before they host Manchester United a week on Monday.

In the ninth minute, Aguero stole into the box and was sent flying by a sliding challenge from Jose Fonte, but although it appeared a clear penalty, referee Mike Jones booked the incredulous Argentine for diving. However, an eventful first half finished 0-0.

Despite Southampton starting strongly in the second half, it was City who broke the deadlock. Aguero gathered a through ball from Fernandinho and tiptoed into the box from the left before teeing up Toure, who crashed a 20-yard shot into the bottom-left corner with the aid of a slight deflection.

After Mangala’s dismissal, it seemed that City would be in for a nervy last 20 minutes, but Lampard and Clichy ensured the victory.

Mourinho laments Champions League exertions

Jose Mourinho admitted Chelsea suffered from a Champions League hangover as they were forced to settle for a point at Sunderland.

The Premier League leaders stretched their advantage at the top to seven points thanks to an uncompromising 0-0 draw at the Stadium of light, a 20th game unbeaten to start the season.

Mourinho sent out an unchanged line-up less than four days after the 5-0 romp at German side Schalke guaranteed their place in the knockout stages of European football's top club competition.

But the Chelsea manager saw his side fade visibly in the final quarter of their first of eight games in a hectic 34-day period leading into 2015 that will play a big part in shaping the destiny of their season.

He admitted Sunderland's greater preparation time had played a significant role in the London club failing to add to their nine-match winning streak on Wearside.

"Sunderland had a full clear week to prepare for this match, and to develop a strategy against us. Some people might like to criticise defensive teams, but I don't, because they did it very well against us and achieved their goal of a clean sheet.”

Gerrard still main man, says Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insisted there was nothing sinister behind his decision to drop captain Steven Gerrard for their 1-0 win over Stoke City thanks to a stooping header from right-back Glen Johnson

Rodgers left 34-year-old midfielder Gerrard, who made his Liverpool debut 16 years ago to the day against Blackburn Rovers, on the bench against the Potters for all but the final 15 minutes of the match.

"Gerrar’s at the stage of his career where he's not going to be playing in every game," said Rodgers.

"He obviously played in the last two against Crystal Palace and against Ludogorets. He put a huge amount into those games, and we have other players here who can do the job. Steven understands that.”

 

 
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