Manchester City 6-1 Southampton: 5 things observed | Premier League 2018-19

It was a night of brilliant football as Manchester City welcomed Southampton to the Etihad Stadium, and absolutely outplayed them in every aspect. The difference between the two teams was humongous, and it looked like men against boys, as City put 6 past The Saints.

Pep Guardiola selected a strong starting line-up featuring Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, and most of the usual suspects.

Kevin de Bruyne picked up another injury in the previous fixture, and has again been sidelined for 4 weeks at least, and Bernardo Silva has continued his run in the first team as the more than able deputy, having another good outing.

City started their onslaught from the very first minute, and were able to break through via the help of an own goal from Wesley Hoedt, who was helpless as he put the ball into his own net.

That opened the flood-gates, and Raheem Sterling laid on a simple tap-in for City legend Sergio Aguero from two yards.

David Silva made it 3 at the 18th minute mark, and The Saints' full-backs looked all over the place with Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling toying with them in wide areas, and leaving them behind when they wanted to. Here are my observations from this emphatic, yet routine victory.

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#1 Kevin de Bruyne is not missed

De Bruyne picked up another knock against Fulham

Any other club in world football would struggle with the mercurial Kevin de Bruyne out for almost half the campaign, but not Manchester City. Sure, they're a different beast with him in the starting XI (which he undoubtedly will be once he's fit again), but they have barely skipped a beat since his unfortunate struggles began at the start of the season.

De Bruyne is easily one of the three best midfielders on the planet right now, and City look majestic with him playing, but it speaks volumes of the quality City possess on the bench that players from within the squad have stepped up their game to a level where one of the best players on the planet is not missed.

Any other club would have their season derailed to the extent that they'd consider themselves fortunate to end up in the top 3, but not Manchester City, as they seem to have entered the realm of super club, and they look like they're here to stay.

#2 Southampton's defense is massively letting them down

Southampton's defenders have been woeful so far this season

Virgil van Dijk's importance to his respective clubs and his status as the league's best center back was enhanced tonight. Southampton looks like relegation fodder, and have been struggling to fix their leaky defense since the big Dutchman's departure from the South Coast club.

The club purchased giant Danish centre-back Jannik Vestergaard in the summer from Borussia Monchengladbach in hopes of replacing the Dutchman's towering presence at the back, but the Danish international has failed miserably, and wasn't trusted enough by Mark Hughes to even start on the night, as he fielded Jack Stephens in his place to face Sergio Aguero and co.

The uncertainty in the goalkeeping department is certainly not helping, as the club currently have Fraser Forster, Alex McCarthy, Angus Gunn, and Jack Rose who shuffle around between goal.

#3 Raheem Sterling has taken his game to another level

Sterling is looking more assured

England international Raheem Sterling put in a man of the match performance, as he ended the match with 2 goals and 2 assists, and looked the best player in sky blue. He scored his 50th goal for the club since his arrival in the 2015-16 season.

He has become an important player for both club and country, and features heavily in the plans of both Gareth Southgate and Pep Guardiola.

His influence is at an all-time high, and the club should offer him whatever he asks, to keep him at the club, as he has really established himself, and it would be really hard to replace him and what he brings to the side.

#4 Southampton need to move on

Mark Hughes looks bereft of ideas

Southampton have been around for quite a while in the Premier League, having been permanent main-stays since their promotion in the 2012-13 campaign. They were one of the most thrilling teams to watch, playing open-ended football which was pleasing to look at for fans and neutrals alike.

They took the fight to bigger clubs and loved a good upset story. The Southampton of old would have relished a chance to knock down the high flying Citizens a peg or two, but they looked absolutely toothless against Pep Guardiola's side, who ran circles around them.

Mark Hughes has been struggling to get his team going since successfully saving them from being relegated last year, despite signing a new 3-year contract before the season began. His team looks lost going forward, and could really use some fresh ideas to kick-start their campaign, and avoid dropping down to the second tier of English football.

#5 Manchester City is the best team in England

Manchester City have the strongest squad in England

Manchester City is the team from England most likely to lift the Champions League. Their squad is packed to the brim with talent, and they have more than adequate backup in every position on the pitch to challenge for all titles available, including the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola's team seem to be so prepared for every opponent, and adjust their game plan accordingly. They have learned from their mistakes in the previous season, and managed to keep Liverpool's fabled front 3 quiet at Anfield. They should've come away with all points had Riyad Mahrez not sent his penalty to the sky.

The Citizens are capable of changing gears quicker than any team, and are arguably the most attractive team to watch play football on the planet right now. They proved that with another breathtaking performance, as they put 6 past the helpless Alex McCarthy.

The penalty conceded tonight was a blemish on an otherwise perfect performance from the men in blue.