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#3 Despite their victory, problems in attack persist for Manchester City
Manchester City have made a name for themselves in the last few years as one of the most potent attacking forces in English football.
They scored 106 goals in 2018 to set a new benchmark in attacking brilliance, while continuing to net plenty of goals since then.
However, this season has seen a departure from the norm for Manchester City. Guardiola's men have struggled to turn possession into chances while they have also been wasteful in attack.
So far this season, Manchester City have scored just 19 goals from 13 Premier League games - the same as conservatve Crystal Palace have managed (in one game more). As many as ten other teams in the league have outscored Manchester City this term.
City's goal tally this season is less than half of what they managed at this stage of each of the last three seasons. Furthermore, they have scored more than one goal in a game just four times this season, something that has become a cause of concern.
Against Southampton, Manchester City saw their problems in attack come to the fore once more. Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Bernanrdo Silva were all guilty of missing gilt-edged chances.
The absence of Sergio Aguero has been given as a reason for Manchester City's frugality in attack, but the Cityzens have in the past thrived without their record goalscorer. Although they eventually got their victory, if City are to reclaim top spot in the league, their problems in attack need to be sorted out.
#2 Manchester City's new-found defensive nous comes to the fore once again
Even though they might be f;oundering at the offensive end, Manchester City's defence has been as resolute as ever, and they once again brought their A-game at the back against Southampton.
John Stones and former Benfica man Ruben Dias seem to be Guardiola's current defensive partnership, and the pair almost put no foot wrong against the Saints.
They limited Southampton to mostly chances from set-pieces and were good value for the visitors' clean sheet on the night.
It was Manchester City's sixth clean sheet of the season. Their total of 12 goals conceded this term is matched by only Tottenham Hotspur.
#1 Magical Kevin de Bruyne puts up another masterclass performance
Pep Guardiola discussed about rotation of his team ahead of a busy Christmas schedule, but the Catalan expressly stated that Kevin de Bruyne could not be afforded any rest, considering his importance to Manchester City's play.
The reigning PFA Player of the Year is the standout attacking midfielder in the world. Despite not yet reaching the dizzy heights of last season, De Bruyne was once again in the thick of things at Southampton.
The Belgium international got the ball rolling by setting up Sterling for the game's only goal. That was his seventh assist of the season.
De Bruyne could have had a few more assists on the night but for poor finishing by Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez.
His cross-field ball to find Mahrez was magical. and the Algeria international should have doubled Manchester City's lead.
However, De Bruyne himself was guilty of missing a good chance midway through the second half when he shot straight at Alex McCarthy with both angles of the post to aim for.
Nevertheless, De Bruyne still made his presence felton the field and made four key passes in the game, which was more than anyone else on the pitch managed.
