Manchester City Stumbles in Bid to Secure Champions League Spot
Manchester City dropped crucial points in their chase for next season’s Champions League after a frustrating 0–0 draw against bottom-of-the-table Southampton. The result means Pep Guardiola's side must now win both of their remaining games to avoid missing out.
Haaland Returns, But Fails to Shine
The match marked the return of Erling Haaland to the starting lineup, but the Norwegian striker was far from his usual self. Despite a few headed attempts, he failed to seriously test Aaron Ramsdale, who kept a rare clean sheet with key saves against Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias.
The Cityzens were heavy favorites coming into the match, facing a team that had only earned 11 points in their previous 34 games. But Southampton stood firm for 90 minutes and managed to frustrate Manchester City, keeping the Champions League race wide open.
Southampton Avoids Historic Low
Prior to the game, Southampton shared the record for fewest points in Premier League history (11) with the infamous Derby County team from the 2007–08 season. The draw not only dented City’s plans but also lifted the Saints above that negative milestone—celebrated like a victory at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Omar Marmoush nearly gave the home side an unlikely win in stoppage time with a shot that rattled the crossbar. A last-minute save by Ederson preserved the draw, but it was Southampton who walked away feeling like winners.
City Faces High-Stakes Finish
With two matches left, Manchester City sits third in the standings with 65 points—four ahead of Nottingham Forest, who still have to face Leicester City this round. Newcastle United and Chelsea, each on 63 points, face off this weekend, meaning neither can overtake City just yet.
City will wrap up their Premier League season with games against Bournemouth at home and Fulham away. Meanwhile, the team also shifts focus to the FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace next Saturday, their last chance at silverware this season.
