By Daily Sports on July 6, 2020

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said Che Adams’ first goal for the club was “so important for him” as the forward’s spectacular strike earned Southampton victory over Manchester City in a lively encounter at St Mary’s.

Adams, who joined Saints from Birmingham City for £15m a year ago, lobbed goalkeeper Ederson with a first-time strike from 40 yards out after Oleksandr Zinchenko had surrendered possession in midfield.

It has taken 30 appearances for 23-year-old Adams to open his account for the Saints, after registering 22 goals in 46 Championship games last season.

“When you hear how much the guys were celebrating him as he went into the dressing room, then you know how happy they are he scored,” Hasenhuttl said.

“He has always been working hard. He showed the trust we had in him to start him today was the right one.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made six changes to the side which thrashed champions Liverpool 4-0 at Etihad Stadium on Thursday, with key playmaker Kevin de Bruyne among those initially rested.

Adams’ goal drew an intense reaction from City, as Fernandinho hit the post and the in-form Alex McCarthy kept out David Silva’s header in the aftermath.

The visitors rarely let up thereafter but were repeatedly left frustrated by Saints goalkeeper McCarthy, whose one-handed save from Gabriel Jesus in the second half was the pick of several superb stops.

Southampton had chances of their own amid the increasing City pressure but neither Nathan Redmond nor Danny Ings could convert rare opportunities, while Ederson was alert to Stuart Armstrong’s swerving shot.

There was to be no repeat of City’s comeback to win the reverse fixture 2-1 in November and defeat leaves Guardiola’s side 23 points behind Liverpool, who beat Aston Villa 2-0 earlier on Sunday. (BBC)

•PHOTO: Southampton players 

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 6, 2020

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