Manchester City Player Ratings vs. Southampton: Match Report & Video Highlights as De Bruyne, Sterling star

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Manchester City moved back to the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.

Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the ninth minute after Raheem Sterling pick-pocketed Maya Yoshida before crossing for the Belgian playmaker.

It was 2-0 on 20 minutes when Fabian Delph-making his first start for City-saw his long-range effort deflected past the hapless Maarten Stekelenburg.

City, without Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany, suffered a few nervous moments in defence, and Shane Long capitalised to halve the deficit.

However, Aleksandar Kolarov added a third way goal in the second half after being picked out by De Bruyne.

Read our Manchester City Player Ratings below.

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Willy Caballero: 8/10

Stepped in for Hart and made a series of good stops. A worthy understudy.

Bacary Sagna: 7/10

Overcame a head injury to hold his own against both Sadio Mane and Ryan Bertrand, a committed showing nonetheless.

during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on August 16, 2015 in Manchester, England.

Martin Demichelis: 6/10

Overcame criticism to deliver a solid showing, despite an error or two. Culpable for the goal, but remains a better bet than Eliaquim Mangala.

Nicolas Otamendi: 8/10

Demonstrated the tenacity and the determination that prompted City to spend big to bring him to Eastlands. On this performance, Manuel Pellegrini will be desperate to get Otamendi and Kompany playing together.

Aleksandar Kolarov: 8/10

Superb going forward, as is often the case, seeking to trouble Saints at every opportunity.

Fabian Delph: 8/10

Took his opportunity with both hands and bagged City’s second with a deflected effort. Beyond that, he offered creativity and dynamism.

Fernandinho: 7.5/10

An upgrade on Fernando, and demonstrated it will a solid showing here. Let Toure and Delph shine, and did the basics well.

Raheem Sterling: 7.5/10

An excellent showing as Sterling continues to build on his fine recent performances with City. He’s growing into life as a Sky Blue, and was influential here.

Yaya Toure: 7.5/10

A creative influence in the heart of the park, and was responsible for a series of excellent passes. If he can keep this up all season, the Citizens will have no problem regaining their title!

Kevin De Bruyne: 9.5/10

There were moments of genius, and on this showing there’s little surprise that De Bruyne was such a devastating creative presence in the Bundesliga last term.

Sergio Aguero: 6.5/10

Still not completely fit, it seems, and wore as the game went on. Replaced with what appeared to be another complaint, this time to his ankle, and City fans will

Substitutes

David Silva: 7/10 

City fans were delighted to see him back, and while he won’t hit top form immediately, his class is undeniable.

Fernando: 6/10

Wilfried Bony: 6/10

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