Match Report and Player Ratings: Southampton 0-0 Manchester City (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City were held to a goalless draw against an already-relegated Southampton side despite having over 25 shots at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.

Two second-half chances from substitutes Nico O’Reilly and Omar Marmoush had Manchester City fans on the edge of their seats but neither opportunity managed to break the deadlock on the road.

The game started as most supporters would have expected, with City dominating possession and pushing forward into the Southampton half; attack versus defence with Pep Guardiola’s men relentlessly forcing their way into the home side’s third.

The Blues had earned some corners in the opening 15 minutes but Aaron Ramsdale was yet to have a shot headed towards his goal – the closest coming from the attack-minded defender Josko Gvardiol’s volley across the penalty area at the back post.

Despite all of the possession in and around the Saints’ penalty area, the best chance of the opening half-hour came from a dead ball just outside the box after Kevin De Bruyne was brought down by Lesley Ugochukwu. The Belgian stepped up to take the set piece but his effort flew narrowly over the crossbar – much to the delight of the home fans behind the goal.

A sense of frustration was building from the Manchester City players as the half-time whistle drew closer and Ruben Dias was the one to take a shot at Ramsdale’s goal from the outside of the box but again, the Portuguese international’s shot was blocked by the wall of red and white striped shirts.

There was a moment of concern at the start of the second half for the Manchester City supporters as VAR had taken an eye to a challenge from Kevin De Bruyne on Joe Aribo. It appeared that the City captain had stepped on the ankle of the Southampton substitute but the officials did not deem it as ‘serious foul play’.

Erling Haaland had his first glimpse of goal since his return to the side on the hour mark as Phil Foden’s ball flashed past the Norwegian at the back post and out for a goal kick. The cross was whipped in from a set piece but the number nine could not latch on for the opener.

Saints centre-back Jack Stephens then denied Bernardo Silva shortly after with his clearance off the goal-line and out for a corner. Manchester City were getting closer to finding the first goal of the game but the home side were digging their heels in to keep it level.

Once again, the travelling Blues supporters thought that they were going to take the lead with Jeremy Doku and Haaland sprinting at the Southampton back line but were left disappointed once more with the big Norwegian unable to sort his feet and Aaron Ramsdale collecting the ball.

More substitutes followed from Pep Guardiola as Nico O’Reilly and Savinho came on with 15 minutes to play. O’Reilly had the chance to score with his first touch of the ball after Haaland had broken through the Saints defence.

The number nine squared the ball to the oncoming youngster but O’Reilly was unable to connect with the ball in what looked like a certain goal for the Blues.

And just like O’Reilly, another substitute almost scored with their first touch, this time it being Omar Marmoush. A loose ball from a corner found its way to the Egyptian and he poked it goalwards only for Ramsdale to make another save. The goalkeeper was certainly being kept busy.

A groan sounded around St Mary’s as the fourth official raised the board to signify seven additional minutes for Southampton to hold onto the draw. The groan was quickly followed by a gasp as Marmoush’s effort crashed against the crossbar and back into play.

Ederson was forced into making his first save of the game in the 95th minute with the hosts breaking on a counterattack before the offside flag was raised and the final whistle was blown with the visitors being held to a draw on the south coast.

Up next for Manchester City, a trip back down south to Wembley as we head into the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace in the Blues’ last chance at a trophy in this campaign.

Here’s how we rated the players performance’s as we close in on the end of the season!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Ederson – 7

Possibly the easiest game he has ever had in a Manchester City shirt. The Saints caused him no problems at all and the defence was immaculate.

Rico Lewis – 6

Nice to see him back in the starting lineup as he has not featured that much this season and he played well just wasn’t able to have a real impact on the game. Was important when moving the ball from defence to attack however.

Ruben Dias – 6.5

Stopped any Southampton attack when they came near the penalty area but had very little to do today.

Manuel Akanji – 6.5

Similar to Ruben Dias, he dealt with the Southampton attackers when needed and had the occasional chance from corners. Both centre-backs moved the ball around smoothly.

Josko Gvardiol – 7

Involved in one of the bigger chances in the game with his volley that flashed across the penalty area. His back post runs helped to create an overload in the penalty area for any crossed balls.

Mateo Kovacic – 8 (POTM)

Was really good in the transition from defence to the attackers and bridged that gap so effectively. He was efficient on the ball and drove forwards through the space in midfield.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Rotated the ball around the penalty area working with De Bruyne but couldn’t find the breakthrough pass or moment to unlock the defence. Had his effort cleared off the line in the second half.

Phil Foden – 7

Similar to Bernardo but on the left side. His close control dribbling is usually what helps City in games such as this one but today he lacked that cutting edge. He improved in the second half and should have an assist after a great cross for Haaland.

Kevin De Bruyne (C) – 7.5

Floated around the Southampton penalty area trying to find a pass or gap to break through the tight defence and came close with his free-kick in the first half.

James McAtee – 6

Really struggled to make a difference in the attacking third and find that creative moment due to the low block from the Saints and was replaced at half-time by Doku.

Erling Haaland – 6.5

Lacked touches of the ball and struggled to find space in the box. It was good to see him back on the pitch but his impact on the game was limited. Unlucky not to have an assist with the chance for O’Reilly in the second half.

Substitutes

Jeremy Doku – 7

Added the dynamism that was missing from the game and it opened up with more chances to Manchester City. Kept beating his man with ease but could not find an end product.

Nico O’Reilly – 6.5

Should have scored with his first touch but couldn’t convert from Haaland’s pass.

Savinho – 6.5

Had limited impact when he came on and should have done better with a volley inside the the box.

Omar Marmoush – 7.5

Struck the bar in stoppage time after latching on to a loose ball. So unlucky not to score.