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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
David Hytner at St Mary's Stadium

Rúben Dias rips into Southampton’s negative tactics but Guardiola disagrees

Ruben Dias leaps for a header
Rúben Dias said Southampton were ‘a completely different team the last time we played them’. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Action Images/Reuters

Rúben Dias tore into Southampton for what he felt were anti-football tactics, laying bare his frustration after Manchester City were held to a 0-0 draw here. Southampton had just two shots – both off target – and 28% of the ball as they ground out a result that means City are still not assured of a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.

Dias raged about Southampton’s use of the dark arts, including time-wasting, although his manager, Pep Guardiola, had no complaints, saying it was simply up to City to find a way through. “It’s frustrating,” Dias said. “In a moment like this every point matters. And it is frustrating to play against a team like this.

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