Manchester City 1-1 Southampton: Pep Guardiola's side's winless run continues

Manchester City's run without a win stretched to five games in all competitions after Southampton held Pep Guardiola's side to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

City, who handed starts to Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero, were behind in the 27th minute after John Stones' poor back pass gifted Nathan Redmond the opener.

Stones thought he had redeemed himself moments later when bundling Kevin De Bruyne's free-kick into the back of the net, but it was ruled out after Aguero was adjudged to be standing in an offside position from the ball into the box.

However, City were back on level terms after the break when substitute Kelechi Iheanacho, on at half-time for Kevin De Bruyne, swept home Leroy Sane's cross from close range.

There was a renewed hope around the Etihad after the goal and City pushed hard for a winner right until the death, but Southampton held on for a superb point.

Following the midweek disappointment against Barcelona, Guardiola brought in the fit again Kompany for his first Premier League start of the season, while Aguero was also restored to the starting line-up as City looked to end a run of four games without a victory.

However, Guardiola's side made a sluggish start in what was a subdued atmosphere.

Chances were few and far between in the opening 15 minutes but Fernandinho tried to drive his side forward, flashing a cross across goal and just out of the reach of Raheem Sterling.

Southampton, who had settled into the game well, went forward through Tadic a few minutes later but his cross was easily gathered by Claudio Bravo.

Bravo was left stranded in the 27th minute though as Stones' poor back pass allowed Redmond to steal in on goal. The winger still had plenty to do and rounded the Chilean before sliding the ball into the back of the net.

Stones thought he had made up for his error four minutes later, firing De Bruyne's free-kick home, but the goal was disallowed after Aguero was ruled to be in an offside position.

The frustration continued for City right up until half time as Ilkay Gundogan drove wide before Aguero's shot missed the target but Guardiola reacted at the break, bringing on Iheanacho.

It brought about a change in shape for the hosts and a change of fortunes as City claimed the equaliser after 55 minutes.

Fernandinho's superb long-range pass picked out Leroy Sane and his low cross was expertly finished at the near post by Iheanacho for his eighth goal in 11 games.

Buoyed by the goal, City pushed forward at every opportunity and it was a case of backs to the wall for Saints, although Bravo was needed to keep out a powerful Charlie Austin drive.

At the other end, Fraser Forster kept the scores level, palming away Gundogan's effort before saving David Silva's strike.

Aguero threatened late on with a strong run into the penalty area, but the Argentina international pulled his shot across the face of goal.

Guardiola sent Jesus Navas and Nolito on for Kompany and Sane late on as they desperately searched for a winner, but it was to no avail as City, who went back to the top of the table on goal difference, made it five games without a win in all competitions.

Player ratings

Man City: Bravo (6), Stones (5), Kompany (6), Kolarov (6), Fernandinho (7), Gundogan (6), Silva (6), De Bruyne (5), Sterling (7), Sane(7), Aguero (6).

Subs used: Nolito (N/A), Navas (5), Iheanacho (8).

Southampton: Forster(7), Martina (7), Fonte (7), Van Dijk (8), McQueen(7), Clasie (7), Romeu (8), Davis (7), Redmond (8), Austin (7), Tadic (7).

Subs used: Ward-Prowse(N/A), Boufal (6), Hojbjerg (6).

Man of the Match: Oriol Romeu