Taylor highlights crucial Kovacic in Southampton win | OneFootball

Gareth Taylor says Mateo Kovacic’s defensive work was crucial in allowing City dominate proceedings in our 1-0 win over Southampton.

Our women’s head coach was a guest on Matchday Live's broadcast for the meeting with Russell Martin’s side as Pep Guardiola’s team extended our unbeaten run to 14 straight matches in all competitions.

The Croatia international played the full 90 minutes at the Etihad Stadium and played an instrumental role in helping the hosts maintain a clean sheet and collect three points.

Not only did he thwart Saints turnovers, he also dictated the tempo from deep in the engine room.

And Taylor singled him out for individual praise for his performance against Southampton.

“I thought Kovacic was good,” he declared.

“The reasons why Southampton didn’t get a lot of those final actions was probably his [performance] in the middle of the pitch.

“His defensive work without the ball was very good. He made a lot of interceptions and was really good in winning the ball back for City and allowed them to continue with the threat at the top end [of the pitch.

WATCH: City 1-0 Southampton: Extended highlights

“He’s so quick, those first few yards he’s really quick out of the block. He makes those tackles and interceptions which allows City to continue dominating.”

Summer signing Savinho also played the entirety of City’s triumph over Southampton and earned the Man of the Match award for his sparkling display.

The Brazilian forward won seven ground duels, completed six successful dribbles and created five chances against the Saints and was a constant thorn in the visitors’ side across the afternoon.

And Taylor has been impressed to his start to life with the Blues.

He added: “He’s done really well in the last two games I’ve seen him play up close and live.

“He’s been impressive because he’s very talented, you can see that. He always gets defenders on the back foot.

“He came over on the left late in the game and gave Kyle Walker-Peters a few problems as well. I think he’s adapting really well.

“If he can get that goal I think it could unleash him and give him more confidence because we know he’s more than capable.

“It’s a solid contribution from him.”