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

#3 Zinchenko's busy afternoon reiterates he's a midfielder

Zinchenko endured a difficult game against Southampton but came through with plenty of credit from Pep

Oleksandr Zinchenko endured a difficult afternoon's work in his unfamiliar role at left-back once again, deputising with both Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph sidelined.

It was his mistake in possession which provided Hojbjerg an opportunity to smash home with aplomb after 37 minutes, while he was fortunate not to have been penalized after his challenge on a marauding Ward-Prowse.

Just moments later at the other end, City retook their slender lead - but it highlighted just how quickly the complexity of the game could've worsened for the visitors. Then, it was his delightful delivery fizzed into the box which Aguero met with a well-taken header to double their lead in stoppage-time.

Unsurprisingly, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the 22-year-old post-match. After all, he didn't let his mistake faze him, instead insisting that he keep going - regular touches and getting forward where possible, it was an admirable display from a creative midfielder playing out of position.

The Ukrainian rejected Wolves' advances on deadline day, where they would've offered him more first-team action, but performances and experiences like these will stand him in good stead for the future.