Manchester City lost ground in the race to qualify for the Champions League as they fell to a surprise 0-0 draw with Southampton, who kept just a third clean sheet in their last 48 games to frustrate the visitors.

Southampton accepted their status as underdogs and focused on defending throughout. They gifted City well over 70% possession in the first half but did not concede a shot on target until Ruben Dias’ long-range strike five minutes before half-time was saved.

Bernardo Silva saw an effort cleared off the line and Manuel Akanji drew a smart save from Aaron Ramsdale as City sought to make their dominance count after the restart. Omar Marmoush crashed the bar in stoppage time as it became clear Pep Guardiola’s side would not find a way through.

Despite City’s best efforts, the Saints held firm and snatched an invaluable point which sees them avoid becoming the worst side in Premier League history. Now with 12 points to their name, 2024/25 Southampton better the 11 points returned by Derby County in 2007/08.

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Alex McCarthy (GK), Nathan Wood, Yukinari Sugawara, Paul Onuachu

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Stefan Ortega (GK), Matheus Nunes, Ilkay Gundogan, Nico Gonzalez, Jack Grealish