Southampton’s under-23 side slipped behind Manchester City in the Premier League 2 table with a 3-0 loss at Staplewood today.

Manchester City dominated the game from start to finish, and were fully deserving of the comprehensive scoreline.

The Saints had first-team centre back Florin Gardos in defence, but the Romanian international was unable to make an impact on the game – at least in the way Martin Hunter would have wanted.

City forward Paolo Fernandes scored the first two goals, in either half. Both were angled finishes with his left-foot passed Harry Lewis, who had no chance with either strike.

Gardos’ return from injury was not the dream come true he was looking for. The central defender diverted a cross into his own net to make it 3-0 before being taken off on 60 minutes.

Substitute Jonathan Afolabi had a good chance at the end of the match, but fired over the bar after being slipped through on goal by Callum Slattery.

Here are our Southampton player ratings from tonight’s match…