Manchester City's stuttering form continued with Pep Guardiola's side needing a second-half equaliser from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho to secure a point against Southampton in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
The striker cancelled out Nathan Redmond's opener to seal a point for the hosts, who still looked to be feeling the effects of Wednesday's 4-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
City, who recalled Sergio Aguero to the side and handed a first league start of the season to captain Vincent Kompany, looked disjointed and short of ideas in a first half during which the home fans grew increasingly frustrated, even before John Stones gifted Redmond his second goal in as many matches.
Half-time substitute Iheanacho came to City's rescue on 55 minutes, however, turning home Leroy Sane's low cross for his eighth goal in 11 league appearances.
Fraser Forster made good saves to deny Ilkay Gundogan and David Silva as City pushed for a winner, but Claudio Bravo had to beat away Charlie Austin's low strike to ensure City's place back at the top, ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool on goal difference.
Question marks will again be raised over their form, however, as they prepare for an EFL Cup last-16 clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford in three days' time.
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