While Bournemouth’s late equalizer on Saturday disappointed third-place Aston Villa, Erling Haaland’s 1-0 victory over Southampton sent Manchester City to the top of the Premier League. In the first half at Etihad Stadium, Haaland put an end to his three-game goalless streak in the league. That was sufficient to propel Pep Guardiola’s team into the lead, two points ahead of Liverpool, who can reclaim the top spot if they defeat championship rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

Bottom-of-the-table Southampton, who have only one point from nine games this season, was never going to end City’s remarkable two-year league win streak at the Etihad, which has spanned 35 games.
Guardiola made four changes to the squad that crushed Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday after Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish were left out.
Although Haaland’s attempt to eliminate Southampton was more banal, it was perhaps considerably more valuable in the context of a fierce championship chase. Haaland had scored an ambitious goal against Sparta.
In the fifth minute, a cross from Matheus Nunes found its way to Haaland, who displayed power and determination to reach the ball before his marker for a close-range shot.
City had many chances to extend their advantage, but Haaland’s 14th goal of the season in all competitions handed the undefeated champions seven victories from nine league games as they look to win the championship for the fifth time in a row.
Southampton’s performance demonstrated how demanding they are. It wasn’t because we were careless or flat, so they deserve a lot of credit. “I don’t feel that way,” Guardiola remarked.
“Unfortunately, despite creating opportunities, we were unable to score the second. We were there, I believe, and occasionally they are good. We must acknowledge that.
At Villa Park, Bournemouth secured a 1-1 draw, ending Aston Villa’s chances of contending for the championship.
Villa defeated Young Boys, Bayern Munich, and Bologna to take the top spot in the Champions League standings and remain undefeated.
However, after gaining the lead in the 76th minute, they were unable to match their most recent European triumph with a home triumph.
Ross Barkley scored the team’s first goal after Leon Bailey set him up with a pass from Ian Maatsen.
However, six minutes into stoppage time, Evanilson saved Bournemouth with a headed equalizer.
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