Southampton 2-0 Manchester City
With Southampton having played so well going forward and generally doing well against attacking sides at St. Mary's the fixture was sure to produce goals as City only seem to know how to go forward.
Saints took the lead within the first minute on their first attack. A ball in from Bridge enabled Brett Ormerod to head into the net. Ormerod looked lively throughout the game and has now made it pretty hard for Strachan to drop him upon the return of Pahars to full fitness.
Saints' movement off the ball enabled them to put plenty of pressure upon City's defence. The pace of Fernandes and Bridge down the flanks was a a particular problem as City were playing three at the back and the two were creating plenty of space for Beattie and Ormerod.
It was Fernandes who clipped the post after an impressive run in from the right, although he felt Schmeichal had got a touch.
Wayne Bridge was next in line to bring a good save from the ex - united 'keeper.. Rory Delap's run in from the resultant corner just narrowly wen over the bar.
Fabrice Fernandes certainly wasn't scared of running at the City defence , creating chances for the others as well as wining corners..
Even Saints set pieces looked dangerous, which has been a recent addition to the side's performances. A long throw from Rory Delap allowed Brett Ormerod to get a header in which went just over. Ormerod and Beattie were both prevented from getting Saints second a moment later by more good work from Schmeichal.
With City in disarray, Saints continued to create chances and Anti Niemi in the Saints goal had precious little to do.
Saints found further chances to score a little more difficult in the first half, after City switched their formation to four at the back. City looked a little more solid and Shaun Wright Phillips went close from a city corner.
As City were trying to find their way back into the game, Bridge put Ormerod through against Schmeichal The former Blackpool star got the ball into the net on the second attempt. This was Brett's firth goal in two senior game and he bagged a further hattrick for the reserves before that, so he is on the top of his game at the moment.
Brett Ormerod was unable to complete his hat trick after he picked up a knock at the start of the second half. He went off to another ovation and Marians Pahars came on in his place.
Fabrice Fernandes had a couple of efforts at goal. The first, from range didn't trouble Schmeichal and Fabrice had much better options available to him. No one complained when his next effort struck the crossbar and it was refreshing to see so many Saints players looking to shoot.
While Marians Pahars set up an easy opportunity for James Beattie which he managed to miss from five yards out, he had a very poor game. City were allowed more control at the back to start moves as the Latvian was closing down to quickly. To make matters worse he was subsequently sent from the park after he dived to try and earn his side a penalty. This didn't please Strachan one bit, and guaranteed Ormerod's starting place for the next game.
City couldn't capitalise on facing ten men and Strachan took Beattie off for Tessem in the closing minutes.
An excellent win for Saints against a side which promised a lot of attacking football, but in the end who couldn't seem to cope with the Saints at all. Saints were solid at the back and devastating on the flanks. Ormerod looked very dangerous up front and despite missing a couple of chances, James Beattie put in loads of excellent work.