Manchester City 2-1 Southampton: 5 Talking Points

#3 Lack of width forces Pep to experiment with tactics

Manchester City v Southampton - Premier League

It's been a while since the Premier League has seen the best of Ilkay Gundogan after injuries curtailed his debut season. The German had a decent outing and was replaced in the 80th minute by Bernardo Silva - another midfield schemer waiting in the wings.

However, the talking point was the lack of width after Guardiola rested Sane and played both Jesus and Aguero up front. Jesus did put in a shift but the natural width that the German winger regularly provides, was absent.

The absence of Benjamin Mendy has been smoothed over by Fabian Delph but as the games come thick and fast, Guardiola would prefer a more naturally left-sided player in defence.

And this was evident on the night, as Delph was caught out for the Saints' equalizer. With 9 games scheduled in December for Pep's men, the Spaniard will have to look to his central midfielders to provide the necessary creative spark to unlock defences.