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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

What Pep Guardiola said at half-time to inspire Man City victory over Southampton

An inspiring team talk from Man City manager Pep Guardiola has been caught on film as he told his players to 'be together 'til the end' and not to feel down at half-time against Southampton.

City went into the break against the Saints a goal down after James Ward-Prowse pounced on a rare Ederson mistake to bundle the ball home and give his team a shock lead.

City had and continued to dominate the half but couldn't break down the resolute defence and had resorted to repeatedly crossing the ball into the box.

A high number of crosses is usually a sign that City are struggling - and they would go on to make a remarkable 57 in the game - but this time managed to get the win.

Both goals came from crosses, too, as the equaliser was made by Kyle Walker getting to the byline and his low cross being turned in by Sergio Aguero.

The creator would go on to get the winner as Angelino's deep cross wasn't dealt with by the goalkeeper and Walker latched onto the mistake to rifle the ball home.

It was a crucial victory that kept the Blues in pace with league leaders Liverpool ahead of Sunday's massive clash and Guardiola's words may have helped inspire the comeback.

"Be together this game. Be together until the end," Guardiola said in the tunnel, captured by Man City.

"Be positive in your minds, be positive, be positive in your minds. Rhythm, rhythm with the ball.

"Let the people up front win the game- Raz [Sterling, Kevin [De Bruyne], Sergio [Aguero] Gabby [Jesus.]

"Don't cross to cross, cross the ball with good intention. Stay positive guy. Be together 'til the end. Be together, be together.

"Don't feel down guys, don't feel down. This game is about mentality. Don't feel down.

"You did it many times. Make the process, pass the ball. Don't make a wrong move, and cross it. Make the process, join the team.

"We go! We go! We go! We go!"

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