Guardiola inspired comeback win over Southampton with rousing half-time speech

Pep Guardiola delivered a rallying half-time team talk to inspire his Manchester City's players to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Southampton.

City surprisingly found themselves trailing at the break at the weekend after James Ward-Prowse had scored in the 13th minute against the run of play.

Despite their dominance, the home side struggled to break down Southampton's resilient defence and didn't find the breakthrough until the 70th minute, which came courtesy of a Sergio Aguero strike.

With the clock winding down, City looked like they may have to settle for a point but Kyle Walker struck a late winner with only four minutes remaining to complete the comeback.

It has been revealed that Guardiola galvanised his players with a rousing speech in the tunnel just before they went out for the second half.

'Be together until the end guys,' he is heard saying animatedly in a video posted on social media. 'Be positive in your mind. Rhythm, rhythm with the ball. Let the people up front win the game.

'Raz (Raheem Sterling), Kevin (De Bruyne), Sergio (Aguero), Gabby (Gabriel Jesus). Don't cross to cross, cross with good intention. Stay positive. Be together until the end. Be together.

'Don't feel down guys. Don't feel down. This game is about mentality. Don't feel down. You did it many times. Make the process, pass the ball. Don't make a wrong move, and cross it. Make the process. Join the team. We go, we go, we go!'

The City boss' message clearly got through to his players as they showed the hallmark of champions to turn defeat into three points.

There was added significance in the win as Premier League leaders Liverpool had also won late on.

Guardiola's men are now just six points behind Liverpool and travel to Anfield on Sunday with the chance of closing the gap to three.