Erling Haaland struck twice as Manchester City cruised to a 4-1 win at Southampton on Saturday night.

Haaland, whose brace included a superb bicycle kick, toolk his remarkable league tally this season to 30 goals in 27 games. It was also his 44th goal in all competitions for City this season - equalling the most by a Premier League player in a single campaign.

Sekou Mara struck for Southampton while a Julian Alvaraz, via a penalty, and Jack Grealish also scored for City.

City manager Pep Guardiola said: "Southampton were incredible in the first half, really organised. We were a little sloppy, we were fortunate to score on the edge of the first half but the second half was much, much better.

"They kept fighting and were a good opponent for us. It was not easy, sometimes you have to give credit to the opponent. I have a respect for them."

On Haaland, he said: "I think our bosses bought him for this type of game, we are uncomfortable and not playing at our best level but he gets the goal. The second you can't imagine at his height he has this ability. Exceptional goal."

Guardiola also praised Kevin de Bruyne, stating: "Kevin is playing at that level. He was involved in many things. He is exceptional. There are players who need to play at 40% but he is a guy who needs to play for every action at a high, high level.

"When one player has this 80-90% intensity and ability to see the passes he is more calm than the ones at 40%. He is an exceptional player."