I don't know about being "decidedly second best" but that's only arguing semantics. What is undoubtedly true is we were definitely having difficulty coming terms with a mediocre Southampton side in that first half.(I remember only one chance for us before the 44th minute). In my opinion, Southampton wouldn't have felt embarrassed had the scoreline been reversed at half time.
The journalist who wrote that presumably isn't a City fan and doesn't have my blue goggles on. Therefore, I'd be inclined to not read too much into it.