(foto: Getty Images)
Manchester City were held to a shock 0-0 draw by relegated Southampton, while Brighton and Brentford boosted their chances of European football with crucial wins.
Manchester City missed a golden chance to pull level with Arsenal in the race for second place, as they were held to a surprising 0-0 draw by relegated Southampton on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola's side dominated possession at St Mary’s Stadium and recorded 26 shots, but only five were on target. Even the return of Erling Haaland couldn’t break the deadlock against a side that had picked up just two points from their previous 11 matches.
The result leaves third-placed City on 65 points with two games remaining—still in strong position to qualify for the Champions League, four points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, although their rivals have a game in hand.
Southampton’s point may be small consolation in a dismal campaign, but it lifts them to 12 points, ensuring they avoid equaling Derby County’s all-time low of 11 points from the 2007/08 season.
Elsewhere, Brentford made it four wins in a row by beating already-relegated Ipswich 1-0. Kevin Schade scored his 11th goal of the season, heading in from Bryan Mbeumo’s corner in the 18th minute. Brentford now sit eighth in the table and remain in contention for a European spot.
Brighton kept pace with Brentford thanks to a 2-0 away win at Wolves. Danny Welbeck converted a first-half penalty before Brajan Gruda sealed the victory with a late goal. The Seagulls are level on points with Brentford, trailing only on goal difference.
Everton recovered from a slow start at Craven Cottage to beat Fulham 3-1. Raul Jimenez gave the hosts the lead before Vitalii Mykolenko equalised. Quickfire second-half goals from Michael Keane and Beto sealed the win for David Moyes’ side, who are already safe from relegation.
Aston Villa travel to Bournemouth in the late Saturday kickoff, aiming to keep their Champions League dream alive.
On Sunday, Newcastle host Chelsea in a key top-five clash, while Nottingham Forest take on Leicester. The headline match sees Liverpool face Arsenal—a crucial fixture in the battle behind Arne Slot’s runaway leaders.