Southampton have put a serious dent in Manchester City's title challenge with a shock 3-1 win over the champions at St Mary's this afternoon.
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The hosts took the lead in the sixth minute after Gareth Barry gave the ball away inside his own half, allowing Jay Rodriguez time to get a shot in on goal.
His effort was parried by Joe Hart, but Jason Puncheon was on hand to roll the ball into the empty net.
This lead was doubled in the 21st minute after Hart allowed Rickie Lambert's tame shot to trickle through his legs. Steven Davis was the quickest to react, nipping in to make it 2-0.
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City pulled a goal back six minutes before the break when Edin Dzeko finished off a swift counter attack having been found by Pablo Zabaleta.
The Saints restored their two-goal lead just two minutes after the restart, however, when Barry turned the ball into his own net when trying to find Hart with a pass.
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Artur Boruc maintained this lead just before the hour mark, tipping Sergio Aguero's goalbound effort past his post.
City couldn't find another goal in the closing stages as Southampton held out for the win, denying City the chance to move within six points of rivals and leaders Manchester United.
Barney Corkhill
