Manchester City missed the chance to move level on points with second-placed Arsenal as they were held to a goalless draw by a spirited Southampton side at St Mary's in the Premier League.
Even with Erling Haaland back in from the start following injury, Pep Guardiola's side could not pick the Southampton lock in the first half, where the Norwegian marksman had a paltry five touches before the break.
The Saints' dogged defending was frustrating their visitors to no end, and not even a wave of second-half substitutions from the Sky Blues could break down Simon Rusk's men, who offered next to nothing in attack but were impeccable at the back.
Thanks to Saturday's draw, Southampton have ensured that they will not be going down with the joint-worst Premier League points record in history, overtaking Derby County's 11 with their 12th of the season.
Meanwhile, City remain third in the Premier League table but are only two points clear of Newcastle United and Chelsea, one of whom could overtake Guardiola's men with victory on Sunday lunchtime.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Had Southampton produced defensive displays akin to Saturday's more often this season, the Saints would not be in such a disastrous predicament, but Rusk's men can at least now head back to the Championship with their heads held incredibly high.
Avoiding setting a new unwanted points record was the overriding goal, and overtaking Derby's all-time low of 11 was the final item on the agenda for the 20th-placed Saints, who can take some consolation from the fact that they will not go down as the worst Premier League team of all time.
As Southampton celebrate Saturday's stalemate like a win, a draw will no doubt feel like a defeat for Man City, who did everything right apart from the most critical action; putting the ball in the back of the net.
Substitute Omar Marmoush came agonisingly close on more than one occasion after coming on, surely putting his name in the hat for a start in the FA Cup final, but the visitors' wasteful display overall may just plant a seed of doubt into fans' mind at Wembley next week.
A top-five finish is not guaranteed for Man City either, and if they cannot rectify their attacking mistakes in the coming days, a tumultuous season could yet end without Champions League qualification.
MAN OF THE MATCH - JAN BEDNAREK
© Imago
In truth, every member of Southampton's rearguard would have been a justified pick for the man of the match prize, but the long-serving Jan Bednarek was here, there and everywhere when the hosts needed him.
The Pole produced an astounding 13 clearances, three blocks and two interceptions to somehow keep Man City at bay, winning both of his ground duels and also completing 90% of his passes in an inspired performance.
SOUTHAMPTON VS. MAN CITY MATCH STATS
Possession: Southampton 28%-72% Man City
Shots: Southampton 2-26 Man City
Shots on target: Southampton 0-5 Man City
Corners: Southampton 1-15 Man City
Fouls: Southampton 9-8 Man City
BEST STATS
264 Man City passes in the opening 35 minutes of #SOUMCI but only two shots to show for their possession. And one of those two was a direct free-kick.
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) May 10, 2025
Remember, Southampton need one point from their last three games to beat Derby's record for the lowest PL points total. pic.twitter.com/030Rkg4QW1
Southampton have done it! They are OFFICIALLY not the worst team in Premier League history!
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) May 10, 2025
26 shots for Man City and only 0.11 xG for Saints, but the point is all that matters! pic.twitter.com/FEaEqbYd57
WHAT NEXT?
Southampton have the honour of being the final visitors to Everton's Goodison Park next weekend, before they conclude a doomed campaign against Arsenal on May 25.
Meanwhile, all roads now lead to Wembley for next weekend's FA Cup final with Crystal Palace for Manchester City, which precedes a Premier League battle with Bournemouth on May 20.
Ben Knapton
