A red card handed to Eliaquim Mangala did not prevent Manchester City from recording a 3-0 victory from their trip to Southampton this afternoon.
Yaya Toure opened the scoring early in the second half, before City centre-back Mangala was given his marching orders.
However, despite their numerical disadvantage, City added further goals in the closing stages through Frank Lampard and Gael Clichy.
Here, Sports Mole has looked back over the contest to determine if the result was a fair one, or whether the scoreline flattered the champions.
Match statistics
SOUTHAMPTON
Shots: 13
On target: 4
Possession: 52%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 10
MAN CITY
Shots: 15
On target: 6
Possession: 48%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 13
Was the result fair?
The statistics may show that Southampton had the better of the possession over the course of the 90 minutes, but they were the second best side for most of the contest. City looked a yard sharper and wiser all over the pitch - even with 10 men - and were more than worthy victors.
Southampton's performance
This game was viewed by many as the yardstick that would show just how good Southampton are. They were second in the table heading into the contest, but the accusation was that they had not had many difficult games. Up against one of the best in the division, they were found wanting today.
Usually so assured in possession, passes were going astray as City applied pressure all over the pitch. They did grow into the game and ended the first half strongly, but Toure's goal after the restart seemed to knock the stuffing out of the home side.
The Saints had conceded just one goal at home all season prior to this match and were England's meanest defence, but they were all at sea on occasions. Losing the protection of Morgan Schneiderlin at the break to injury certainly did not help. It was an afternoon to forget for Southampton, although looking forward, it may not be a bad thing. Expectations will now have been dampened, which should allow the players to go about their business slightly under the radar and with less pressure.
Man City's performance
With Chelsea's dropped points at Sunderland in mind, this was almost a must-win match for City, even at this early stage of the campaign, and the champions did not disappoint. In the opening exchanges, they did to Southampton what the Saints have done to many sides this season - harried for possession, worked hard and then had quality on the ball in key areas.
Sergio Aguero has been among the goals in recent weeks, but the Argentine showed the other side of his game today with two assists. The fact that Toure weighed in with another goal will be pleasing for Manuel Pellegrini, who will be hoping that the Ivorian is close to rediscovering his best form.
Defensively, there was still signs that Mangala is struggling to integrate himself into the side, with a lack of communication between him and Joe Hart apparent a couple of times. Still, there were plenty of positives for the weeks ahead as City go about trying to close the gap on Chelsea even further.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Sergio Aguero: We all know that Aguero is a goalscorer, and today he turned provider. Both of his passes for Toure and Clichy were inch perfect, while his overall movement kept the Southampton rearguard on their toes. Right now, there probably is not a more in-form player in the Premier League.
Biggest gaffe
Talk about dropping your teammate in it! City midfielder Toure carelessly gave the ball away, and Shane Long pounced. It left Mangala with little option but to bring down the Irish striker on the edge of the area and a second yellow card followed. His poor start to life in the Premier League continued, although Toure put him in trouble.
Referee performance
The less said about Mike Jones's performance in the first half, the better. He wrongly booked Aguero for diving when a penalty should have been awarded and then he failed to give another foul against the Argentine a few moments later. It is safe to say that he will not be on the Argentine's Christmas card list this year!
However, Jones was correct to send off Mangala, but it does not mask the fact that he also got a couple of key decisions badly wrong.
What next?
Southampton: The Saints are on the road this coming Wednesday when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Man City: On the same evening, City will make the trip to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland in a repeat of last season's League Cup final.
Liam Apicella
