MANCHESTER City manager Pep Guardiola could not contain his excitement after Raheem Sterling's last-gasp winner continued Manchester City's record run at the expense of well-drilled Southampton.

Kevin De Bruyne's deflected free-kick was cancelled out by Oriol Romeu as Saints looked set to become the first side in 100 days to deny swashbuckling City maximum points in the Premier League.

But deep into stoppage time Sterling bent home a stunning effort to secure a 2-1 victory - a club record 19th straight win in all competitions - and send the Etihad Stadium wild as Guardiola jumped for joy.

Guardiola continued in animated fashion after the final whistle, when the City manager's post-match conversation with Saints' Nathan Redmond raised eyebrows.

The City boss had been frustrated that Southampton "didn't want to play" and "were time wasting from the ninth minute", but insists he was praising the attacker despite his rather aggressive-looking manner.

"(I told him) how good a player he is," Guardiola said.

"Last season he destroyed us here. I didn't know him last season, I realised how good he is.

"Today he could not attack because they defend all the time, but that is what it is.

"I spoke with Oriol Romeu as well, with (Virgil) van Dijk and with my players as well."

Southampton counterpart Mauricio Pellegrino was unaware of the incident with Redmond and unwilling to comment on Guardiola's celebrations.

However, the former Argentina international did appear frustrated about the amount of stoppage time as five minutes were awarded and Sterling struck home in the 96th minute.

"I can't say anything about that," Pellegrino said. "I didn't see too many actions to delay the game.

"Obviously just the change, but OK it is part of the decision of the referee.

"I can't do anything about that, I have to respect (it).

"Obviously it is painful for us to concede one goal at the end, but I think we have to learn how to approach this type of moment for the next time."