BOXING legend Ricky Hatton joined football fans in Southampton on Saturday after Saints secured a hard-fought draw with Premier League leaders Manchester City.

The former light-welterweight and welterweight champion and City fan reflected on the 1-1 result with home supporters at O’Neills in Above Bar Street on Saturday, January 22.

Summing up the first half of the match, he said: “I thought we struggled at first.

"Southampton played a good game. They pressed and bullied us in midfield. We had most of the possession, but every time they attacked, it looked like they were going to score."

Saints led by 1-0 at the break after defender Kyle Walker-Peters worked a neat one-two with midfielder Nathan Redmond before firing across the face of goal to score the opener.

The Stockport-born boxer thought the second half, which saw City equalise after a Kevin de Bruyne free kick, was “a bit of a mismatch, in the sense City dominated possession and had lots of chances.”

He said: “Ultimately over the full game, I thought Southampton played well, and I can’t argue with a draw.”

Praising Saints, Hatton said: “They defended very well, and were a very good team today.

"Maybe we did enough to pinch it in the second half with the chances we had, but I think that conclusion would be disrespectful to Southampton.

“After today, I am not worried about Southampton’s position in the Premier League. If they can get in the top 10 this year, I think they can build on that next season.”

This result means Southampton’s unbeaten home run stretches to eight games and comes after their 0-0 away draw with Manchester City in September 2021.