Top beat bottom as expected but not in the straightforward manner anticipated. In fact, struggling Southampton took more positives in defeat than champions Manchester City did by collecting the points.
When Erling Haaland scored after five minutes – a more orthodox finish than his astounding kung-fu volley in midweek – an expectant Etihad waited for the floodgates to open.
It never happened because Saints performed far better than their league position suggested and hit the crossbar through Cameron Archer.
Even the trophy-laden Pep Guardiola viewed it as an education as Russell Martin’s players showed courage trying to play their football in one of the game’s toughest environments
‘I am going to learn a lot with Russell because they did really well,’ said the respectful City boss.