Manchester City have been surprised by relegated Southampton in a goalless draw on Saturday, stalling their push for a Champions League spot whereas Brentford and Brighton stored their European hopes alive.
Pep Guardiola’s aspect have been anticipated to cruise to victory on the south coast, leveling with second-place Arsenal on 67 factors. However, regardless of dominating possession and the return of Erling Haaland, they failed to interrupt the impasse.
The level lifts Southampton to 12 for the season, guaranteeing they keep away from the ignominious title of being the joint-worst crew in Premier League historical past. They at the moment are one level away from Derby’s tally of 11 from the 2007-08 marketing campaign.
Despite the draw, third-place City stay well-placed to complete within the prime 5, which might safe qualification for the Champions League subsequent season. With two video games to play, they’re 4 factors away from sixth-place Nottingham Forest, although their rivals all have a recreation in hand.
City’s title protection got here off the rails in November and December throughout a season that Guardiola has admitted has been the hardest of his 16-year managerial profession.
The away aspect dominated possession at St. Mary’s Stadium and had 26 photographs however managed simply 5 heading in the right direction throughout a irritating afternoon. Saints had picked up simply two factors out of a doable 33 of their earlier 11 video games and got little likelihood of getting something from the match.
Brentford beat already relegated Ipswich 1-0 for his or her fourth straight win, climbing to eighth within the desk, which can be sufficient for European soccer subsequent season. Kevin Schade headed residence from Bryan Mbeumo’s nook within the 18th minute for his eleventh Premier League purpose of the season.
Brighton, additionally chasing European soccer, beat Wolves 2-0 at Molineux and are behind Brentford solely on purpose distinction. Danny Welbeck scored a first-half penalty, and Brajan Gruda added a second within the eighty fifth minute to safe the three factors.
Everton went into their match on a poor run of kind following a pointy uptick when David Moyes returned to handle the membership, however they’ve lengthy since reached security within the prime flight. Raul Jimenez put mid-table Fulham forward at Craven Cottage, however Vitalii Mykolenko leveled on the stroke of halftime. Two second-half targets in three minutes from Michael Keane and Beto made it 3-1.
Aston Villa journey to Bournemouth within the Saturday night kick-off, nonetheless dreaming of securing a Champions League spot for subsequent season.
Fourth-place Newcastle host Chelsea, a spot under them, on Sunday, with Forest in motion towards relegated Leicester. Champions Liverpool play Arsenal, who are usually not but sure of ending within the prime 5 regardless of being the closest challengers to Arne Slot’s males this season.
Source: www.dailysabah.com