Southampton Hold City; Brighton Win

Manchester City were held to a shock goalless draw by Premier League basement club Southampton on Saturday, denting their chances of a top-five finish as Brentford and Brighton kept up their push for European qualification.

- Agence France-Presse [e-mail]

LONDON:

Pep Guardiola's men were expected to waltz to three points on England's south coast and pull level with second-placed Arsenal on 67 points. But although they dominated possession, they could not break the deadlock, despite the return to action of top-scorer Erling Haaland, who had been out since late March.

The away side dominated possession at St Mary's Stadium and had 26 shots but managed just five on target during a frustrating afternoon. "(Southampton were) playing to defend and defend and defend and waste time," Guardiola told the BBC. "We take that point still, it's in our hands. Didn't expect them to defend so deep. Defensive we were so good but unfortunately we missed the last actions."