Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
James Quinlan & Jack Flintham

'Man City are back' - Micah Richards points out Pep Guardiola tactical change that inspired win

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has highlighted Pep Guardiola's substitution of John Stones against Southampton for inspiring the Blues to victory.

City piled on the pressure from the opening stages at St Mary's but had to wait until just before the interval to make the breakthrough as Erling Haaland headed the Blues in front. Guardiola had chosen to start Stones in a central defensive midfield role but on 56 minutes, after the natural centre-back had been booked, he brought the Englishman off for Kyle Walker.

Two minutes later, City had their second as Jack Grealish pounced on a Gavin Bazunu save to score. Haaland would make it three in acrobatic fashion with a superb bicycle kick inside the Saints' box.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.