Manchester City's hopes of securing a Champions League berth took a minor hit on Saturday after a frustrating 0-0 draw with relegated Southampton at St Mary's Stadium. Despite dominating possession and registering 26 shots — only five of which were on target — City failed to find the net, even with star striker Erling Haaland back in action.
The draw leaves Pep Guardiola's side third in the Premier League table, four points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, who still have a game in hand. City missed the opportunity to draw level with Arsenal on 67 points, as their title defence continues to fade following a difficult winter period Guardiola has called his “most challenging season in 16 years.”
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While Champions League qualification remains likely, City's inability to break down a struggling Southampton side raised questions about their attacking edge. Saints, who had taken just two points from their previous 11 matches, did manage to avoid an unwanted record — moving to 12 points for the season and thereby eclipsing Derby's all-time low of 11 from the 2007/08 campaign.
Elsewhere, Brentford and Brighton boosted their European ambitions. Brentford edged Ipswich 1-0 thanks to Kevin Schade's 11th league goal, moving into eighth place, a position that may offer a route into Europe. Brighton, level on points with Brentford, beat Wolves 2-0 with goals from Danny Welbeck and Brajan Gruda.
Everton secured Premier League survival with a spirited 3-1 comeback against Fulham.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Liverpool will look to keep their Champions League hopes alive across the weekend, with Villa hosting Bournemouth and Newcastle set to face Chelsea. Liverpool's high-stakes clash against Arsenal could further shake up the top-five race.
The draw leaves Pep Guardiola's side third in the Premier League table, four points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, who still have a game in hand. City missed the opportunity to draw level with Arsenal on 67 points, as their title defence continues to fade following a difficult winter period Guardiola has called his “most challenging season in 16 years.”
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
While Champions League qualification remains likely, City's inability to break down a struggling Southampton side raised questions about their attacking edge. Saints, who had taken just two points from their previous 11 matches, did manage to avoid an unwanted record — moving to 12 points for the season and thereby eclipsing Derby's all-time low of 11 from the 2007/08 campaign.
Elsewhere, Brentford and Brighton boosted their European ambitions. Brentford edged Ipswich 1-0 thanks to Kevin Schade's 11th league goal, moving into eighth place, a position that may offer a route into Europe. Brighton, level on points with Brentford, beat Wolves 2-0 with goals from Danny Welbeck and Brajan Gruda.
Everton secured Premier League survival with a spirited 3-1 comeback against Fulham.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Liverpool will look to keep their Champions League hopes alive across the weekend, with Villa hosting Bournemouth and Newcastle set to face Chelsea. Liverpool's high-stakes clash against Arsenal could further shake up the top-five race.
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