Man City stumble against Southampton while Brentford and Brighton secure victories
FRUSTRATION Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne walks from the pitch after the English Premier League football match against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on May 10, 2025. The game finished 0-0. Picture: Glyn Kirk/AFP
Image: Glyn Kirk/AFP
Manchester City were held to a shock goalless draw by Premier League basement club Southampton on Saturday, denting their chances of a top-five finish as Brentford and Brighton kept up their push for European qualification.
Pep Guardiola's men were expected to waltz to three points on England's south coast and pull level with second-placed Arsenal on 67 points.
But although they dominated possession, they could not break the deadlock, despite the return to action of top-scorer Erling Haaland, who had been out since late March.
The away side dominated possession at St Mary's Stadium and had 26 shots but managed just five on target during a frustrating afternoon.
Southampton Secure Vital Point Against Manchester City, Avoid Premier League's Worst Team Tag
"(Southampton were) playing to defend and defend and defend and waste time," Guardiola told the BBC. "We take that point still, it's in our hands.
"Didn't expect them to defend so deep. Defensive we were so good but unfortunately we missed the last actions."
There was an explosion of joy among the home fans at the final whistle even though Southampton's relegation fate was sealed long ago.
The point for managerless Saints takes them to 12 for the season, meaning they have avoided the tag of being the joint-worst team in Premier League history.
They are now one point clear of Derby's tally of 11 in the 2007/08 campaign.
"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.
"Everyone knows it's been a difficult season for us. That one was for the fans and also the lads who have given everything. A lot of Mondays coming in after heavy defeats. Today is a relief."
Despite the draw, third-placed City remain well-placed to finish in the top five, which would secure qualification for the Champions League next season.
With two games to play they are four points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, though their rivals all have a game in hand.
City's title defence came off the rails in November and December during a season that Guardiola has admitted has been the toughest of his 16-year managerial career.
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