Manchester City fans held their breath when one of their star players Fernandinho was hacked down by Southampton's Pierre Emile Hojbjerg in one of the worst tackles we've seen all season.
With the game lumbering to its conclusion at St Mary's and City in total control leading 3-1 with six minutes to play, Fernandinho, who was making his first appearance for three games after injury, was the victim of a cynical challenge from Hojbjerg. It was the second time this season that the Southampton player had been red carded and he will now miss the Saints' game against Chelsea.
Mindful of a crucial game against Premier League leaders Liverpool next week, City boss Pep Guardiola chose to bring Fernandinho off and replaced with him Kyle Walker.
The Manchester Evening News City writer Stuart Brennan tweeted: "Southampton fans clap Hojbjerg off for being sent for a potential leg-breaking challenge. Classy."
Earlier in the half, the home fans were incensed when Manchester City's Vincent Kompany was only yellow carded for a dreadful "tackle" on Southampton's Nathan Redmond.
Kompany told Sky Sports: "The performance was excellent we looked aggressive in retrieving the ball. We shouldn't focus too much on points at the moment, we know if we can play to our potential we know we are a good team. Our pride has been hurt over the last few weeks but we have everything to play for and it depends on us."
Asked how his side will approach the Liverpool match, Kompany said: "The same as always, we want to win. It is one of those key games you live for. Every living soul that comes into the stadium on Thursday has to be ready to fight and give it to them, and we should be able to pull everything out of the locker for that game."
