Pep Guardiola said he is happy to lead from the front after Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday gave the champions top spot in the Premier League table for 24 hours at least.
City lead Liverpool by two points but they can be overhauled at the summit should Arne Slot’s side win at Arsenal in Sunday’s late match.
“It’s important to have 23 points now,” the City manager said: “I will watch [Arsenal play Liverpool]. I prefer to be top than not top.
“Villa drop points, Brighton drop points. It is so difficult. We won at Wolves in 95 mins. Today we had chances. Expected goals much higher. Today was such a demanding game for us.”
Erling Haaland’s 14th goal of the season, scored in the fifth minute, secured victory against a defiant Saints. “Many times this happens – not the first time thanks to Erling we win,” said Guardiola. “He scores the most to win the game for us.”
Southampton are bottom with one point but Guardiola believes he can learn from the patient approach of their manager, Russell Martin. “I’m a big believer in the process of the build up [play],” he said. “I prefer my players to get the ball to their feet, not teeth. We were not sloppy – we struggled to get the ball because they are really good.
“I’m a spectator first. I like to see the opponent do things I like. I’m sure I’ll learn the movements – why they do it, to link to the striker, players on the side.
“It’s not easy, we create enough chances to win by more. But Wolves [last week] and now Southampton: I like to win in that way.
“In the Premier League everyone can beat everyone, that is the truth. Every game is a battle. When the opponent is good you have to accept it.”
Martin will serve a touchline ban for Stoke’s EFL Cup visit on Tuesday after receiving a third yellow card of the season for protesting at Flynn Downes’s booking by Tony Harrington for his challenge on Bernardo Silva.
Martin said: “I don’t really speak about [referee’s decisions] but I am going to miss next week’s game for throwing my arms up at a bad decision. I didn’t swear at the fourth official.
“If I am wrong and deserve a yellow card then I hold my hands up but I think that’s nonsense. I will probably get fined for that.”
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The Saints manager was more enthused by his side’s display, though they remain winless in the league. “[City] felt we were really brave with the ball and did stuff not many teams do,” Martin said. “It is not easy to play that way but he [Guardiola] probably understands it more than anyone but we have to believe in something.”
“I have seen so many teams promoted and get nowhere. We have to be extreme and take the ball in places. If we lose I can accept it when the lads show a level of courage like they did today.”
