What should have been a routine away fixture for Manchester City at St. Mary’s turned into a frustrating stalemate that could carry serious consequences — including potentially missing out on a Champions League spot for next season.Facing an already relegated Saints — a team that has conceded 82 goals in 35 games and owns the third-worst defensive result across England’s four professional divisions (only Championship side Plymouth with 88 and League Two’s Crawley Town with 83 have conceded more) — City were held to a stunning 0-0 draw.Southampton, who have conceded a league high of 82 goals in the Premier League this season and are already relegated, kept a clean sheet vs Manchester City. 👀 pic.twitter.com/BmC9vfZI5r— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 10, 2025 Whether it has something to do with Pep Guardiola, the absence of their key midfielder Rodri, or a broader issue within the squad – it will be a matter for post-season analysis. But one thing is for sure: something has been slacking for some time now. Even a potential FA Cup trophy (the showdown is scheduled for May 17 against Crystal Palace) will be little consolation for fans.Champions League qualification is still within City’s control, but after this goalless draw against the EPL bottom side, upcoming fixtures against Bournemouth (home) and Fulham (away) now carry some more tension.##NAJAVA_MECA_8916350##Even in the reverse fixture earlier this season, City struggled against Southampton. Erling Haaland scored an early opener within the opening five minutes, but that was the only goal of the game. This time, not even that. The closest City came to breaking the deadlock was at the stoppage time when Omar Marmoush struck the crossbar in the first of seven additional minutes.Moments later, Ederson had to make a vital save to save the point for the visitors, although any potential Southampton goal would have been chalked off for offside by Cameron Archer.Derby County will officially remain the worst side in Premier League history after Southampton’s draw against Manchester City.— Callum Castel (@CallumCastel7) May 10, 2025 City dominated possession — a staggering 75% in the first half — but produced just two shots on target in over an hour of play. That lack of a genuine striker proved decisive. Of their 26 attempts, only five required a save from Aaron Ramsdale.The door is now open for Newcastle and Chelsea to leapfrog City in the standings, while Nottingham Forest lurk just one point behind, and Aston Villa trail by two. Fortunately for Guardiola, the Magpies and the Blues face off on Sunday, meaning City are still likely to hold onto a Champions League spot.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 36Saturday Fulham – Everton 1-3 (1-1)/Jimenez 17 – Mykolenko 45+3, Keane 70, Beto 73/Ipswich – Brentford 0-1 (0-1)/Schade 18/Southampton – Man. City 0-0Wolverhampton – Brighton 0-2 (0-1)/Welbeck 28 pen, Gruda 85/Bournemouth – Aston Villa IN PROGRESSSunday 14.00: (2.20) Newcastle (3.60) Chelsea (3.40)16.15: (1.92) Man.Utd. (3.50) West Ham (4.00)16.15: (1.35) Nott.Forest (4.90) Leicester (9.50)16.15: (2.65) Tottenham (3.50) Crystal Palace (2.60)18.30: (2.00) Liverpool (3.60) Arsenal (4.00)***odds are subject to change***
