Manchester City held by Southampton
Star striker Erling Haaland, returning from injury, failed to make an impact in a performance that lacked his usual sharpness.
KATHMANDU: Manchester City missed a golden opportunity to solidify their UEFA Champions League qualification hopes after being held to a frustrating goalless draw against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, City were unable to break down a resilient Southampton defense.
Star striker Erling Haaland, returning from injury, failed to make an impact in a performance that lacked his usual sharpness.
Southampton, who have been languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, showed grit and determination.
The point they earned took them to 12 for the season, allowing them to surpass Derby County’s infamous 11-point tally from the 2007/08 season.
City manager Pep Guardiola introduced Jeremy Doku in the second half to add urgency to their attack. Doku created a promising opportunity for Bernardo Silva, but defender Jack Stephens made a crucial block to deny the visitors.
In stoppage time, Southampton’s Omar Marmoush came close to a dramatic winner, striking the crossbar.
Despite City recording 26 shots, they failed to find the back of the net.
Remarkably, this is the second time since July 2020 that City have failed to score in a Premier League match against Southampton despite attempting 26 shots.
The draw leaves Manchester City third in the table with 65 points, four points ahead of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest.
They remain focused on securing a top-five finish to guarantee Champions League football next season.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Everton defeated Fulham 3-1, Brighton secured a 2-0 win over Wolves, and Brentford edged past Ipswich Town 1-0.
