Manchester City were left frustrated on Saturday after a goalless draw against already relegated Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium, dealing a setback to their hopes of securing a top-five Premier League finish.
Coming into the match, Pep Guardiola’s side were firm favourites to collect three points and draw level with second-placed Arsenal. With star striker Erling Haaland returning from injury, expectations were high for a dominant performance. However, despite holding the ball for long stretches and firing off 26 attempts, City could not find the back of the net.
Only five of their efforts were on target, as Southampton sat deep and defended resolutely. Guardiola, clearly disappointed, told the BBC: “(Southampton were) playing to defend and defend and defend and waste time… Didn’t expect them to defend so deep. Defensive we were so good but unfortunately we missed the last actions.”
City controlled the game from the first whistle, but a combination of poor finishing and strong defending from Southampton left them unable to break through. Haaland, returning to the pitch after nearly six weeks out, could not make the difference this time.
Though Southampton had long been resigned to relegation, the final whistle brought loud celebrations from the home fans. The result pushed their total points for the season to 12, just ahead of the lowest-ever Premier League tally set by Derby County in the 2007/08 season.
“We’re under no illusions that it’s not a great points tally,” said Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. “The fans are happy in the sun smiling… Today is a relief.”
Despite the draw, Manchester City remain third in the table and are still in control of their Champions League fate. They are four points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest with two games remaining, though Forest have a match in hand.
Elsewhere, Brentford made it four wins in a row with a 1-0 victory over Ipswich, thanks to a Kevin Schade header in the 18th minute. Schade now has 11 goals this season and noted: “Europe is possible, we are focused.”
Brighton kept pace with Brentford, defeating Wolves 2-0 at Molineux. Danny Welbeck scored from the penalty spot before Brajan Gruda sealed the win in the 85th minute. Brighton are behind Brentford only on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Everton snapped their poor run with a 3-1 win over Fulham. After falling behind to a Raul Jimenez goal, Vitalii Mykolenko equalised just before half-time. Goals from Michael Keane and Beto in the second half completed the comeback.
