ManCity thwarted by Southampton

Shane Long celebrates with Dusan Tadic after scoring the first goal for Southampton./COURTESY
Shane Long celebrates with Dusan Tadic after scoring the first goal for Southampton./COURTESY

Manchester City's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League remain in the balance as a brilliant Sadio Mane hat-trick secured Southampton an easy win.

Shane Long struck at the near post and Mane doubled the lead from 10 yards before City's Kelechi Iheanacho scored.

Mane then pounced twice to make sure of the win - reacting quickly as Jose Fonte's header came off the crossbar and converting Dusan Tadic's pass.

Iheanacho found the top-right corner late on but the match was all but over.

The victory ensures Southampton - two points adrift of sixth-place West Ham with two games remaining - can still qualify for next season's Europa League.

City remain fourth - three points behind third-placed Arsenal and four ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United, who drew against leaders Leicester at Old Trafford on Sunday.