Five things we learned from Man City v Southampton

Here are five things we learned from the game:

1. Alex McCarthy comes in for Angus Gunn:

Alex McCarthy after Kyle Walker nets the winner

There have been ongoing calls for McCarthy to be given another chance to play in the Premier League and they were answered by Ralph Hasenhuttl on Saturday.

The goalkeeper started his first top-flight match since February and made a host of good saves.

He’ll be kicking himself for failing to get a hand on the ball in the build-up to Walker’s winner in the final minutes.

2. There were plenty of positives for Saints to take from the match:

Danny Ings tussles with Angelino

Only Saints could lose 9-0 at home to Leicester one week to almost causing a huge upset eight days later against Man City.

The two performances couldn’t have been more contrasting. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side dug in and defended for their lives for the entire game.

They should feel bitterly disappointed to leave Manchester without anything to show for it.

3. Ward-Prowse was back on the scoresheet:

James Ward-Prowse celebrates his goal

Having ended last season with seven goals, Ward-Prowse's only strike this season came from the penalty spot against Bournemouth.

However, he took full advantage of an Ederson fumble to fire Saints into the lead after just 13 minutes.

The midfielder will be hoping to embark on a run similar to the previous campaign where he netted a handful of times.

4. Moussa Djenepo returned to action:

Moussa Djenepo had been absent since the Sheffield United match

After missing multiple games with a hip injury, Djenepo finally returned to the matchday squad in Manchester.

He was handed a place on the bench and was brought on during the second half.

It didn’t take him long to start making an impact on the right-wing, with the Mali international causing Angelino all sorts of problems.

5. Saints should be confident ahead of next weekend’s match:

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl

Hasenhuttl’s side will arguably play their biggest game of the season so far on Saturday when they welcome Everton to St Mary’s.

With both teams struggling at the foot of the table, it’s crucial Saints not only take points off their rivals but also head into the international break with a positive result.

There were enough signs from the City defeat for the club to be positive about, although they won’t count for anything if they fail to reach the same level next weekend.