A fifth minute goal from Erling Haaland was enough to settle a contest that saw City dominate possession, territory and chances but then have to navigate a nervy final few minutes from the side at the bottom of the table.
A seventh league win of the season was enough to pilot City back to the top of the table – for 24 hours at least ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
And reflecting on the victory, Pep pointed to results elsewhere on Saturday to emphasise just how tough and competitive the English topflight remains.
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“I prefer to be top than not being top but it’s not the point,” Pep declared.
“Look what happened today. Aston Villa dropped points [at home to Bournemouth] and Brighton dropped points [at home to Wolves] because it’s so difficult.
“We won at Wolves in minute 94/95.
“Today we created chances and we could have scored two or three goals, the expected goals is much better.
“But I have to admit it was a demanding game for us. Such a demanding game for us.”
Once again Haaland proved the ultimate difference, his fifth minute strike securing another priceless three points.
And Pep added it was merely the latest example of the Norwegian striker’s uncanny habit of delivering just when most needed.
“Many times it happened. It’s not the first time that thanks to Erling we won the game,” Pep pointed out.
“I would say he scored the goal to win the game. It was important at the start.
“The first 15 or 20 minutes of the second half was excellent and in that moment we should have killed the game.
“I would say we were a little unfortunate with high pressing but at that moment they would drop a lot.
“That’s why when they had the ball they struggled to arrive in the final third. We created chances to score goals and the result is fair.
“But today Southampton demanded a lot from us.”
