Erling Haaland scores again as below-par Manchester City see off Southampton

Erling Haaland struck again as Manchester City ensured their unbeaten Premier League home run would stretch past two years with a laboured defeat of Southampton.

The Norwegian turned home his 14th goal of the season after just five minutes of a tame contest against the winless Saints at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

City's victory took them back to the top of the table and extended their unbeaten league sequence at the ground to 35 games since a loss to Brentford on 9 November 2022.

They now do not play at home again until Tottenham visit on 23 November.

City had numerous chances, several of them falling to Haaland, but after their strong start, did not even approach top gear.

Despite some good possession and plenty of creditable defensive resilience, a Saints side with just one point to their name did not overly trouble them.

The visitors' one great chance came when Cameron Archer hit the bar late in the first half but Pep Guardiola's side did not look like squandering their victory chance.

City made an early statement of intent as Ruben Dias shot at Aaron Ramsdale from 30 yards and it was not long before they took the lead.

Haaland proved far too strong for Jan Bednarek, beating the defender in a tussle to reach a Matheus Nunes cross and turning home from close range despite being off-balance.

It could quickly have got worse for Saints as Nunes, making his first start of the season, cut inside and fired wide and Mateo Kovacic had an effort blocked.

Savinho should have done better after seizing on a loose ball but he dwelt too long in the box and Mateus Fernandes got back to clear.

Saints did enjoy some encouraging spells but were frustrated that a number of decisions went against them.

The most egregious saw Flynn Downes booked