Premier League 2018/19, Southampton 1-3 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points

#4 Southampton's attacking struggles comes back to haunt them

Austin made his second start of December, but crucially struggled to take advantage of promising chances

Southampton have scored a lowly 21 goals in their 20 Premier League games this season. Despite netting 12 of them during the relentless month of December, Ralph Hassenhuttl's side have struggled for creative consistency.

Constant changing of formation and personnel isn't bound to help either, though it's clear the new boss hasn't yet figured out his strongest eleven. Norwegian forward Mohamed Elyounoussi was granted his first start since late October, while Mario Lemina played in an advanced role and Charlie Austin featured as the hosts' lone striker.

Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond - two of the Saints' better attackers - were named among the substitutes. Although the latter was introduced at half-time, he struggled to impose much impact on the game as City were comfortable in possession and rarely allowed their hosts any chances as time wore on in the second half.

Shane Long too was introduced late on, but unsurprisingly was unable to create any chances of note. He hustled and harried City's backline as he typically does out of possession, though there's a reason he has only netted five goals in 74 Premier League appearances over the past three seasons - he's just not a reliable goalscoring outlet.