Pep Guardiola took the positives from Manchester Metropolis’s 0-0 draw at relegated Southampton, which might show to be a dangerous setback within the race for Champions League soccer.
Metropolis welcomed Erling Haaland again from an ankle harm, however he and his teammates have been left pissed off as Southampton stored their first clear sheet since December to make sure they won’t tie Derby County’s record-low Premier League factors whole of 11.
Southampton will now end a depressing season with a minimum of 12 factors, however it’s on the different finish of the desk have been the consequence carries extra significance, with Metropolis lacking the possibility to go second and offering a lift to their rivals within the race for the 5 Champions League qualification locations.
Metropolis would have moved six factors away from sixth-placed Nottingham Forest with the win most anticipated. As a substitute, Forest can transfer inside a degree of Metropolis with a win over Leicester Metropolis on Sunday. If there’s a winner of the large recreation at St James’ Park between fourth-placed Newcastle United and fifth-placed Chelsea, then they’ll leapfrog Metropolis into third.
Whereas clearly pissed off with Southampton’s strategy, Guardiola was comparatively upbeat as he assessed his facet’s efficiency.
“Tough. We had possibilities however sadly couldn’t rating,” Guardiola advised BBC Sport.
“[Southampton were] taking part in to defend and defend and defend and waste time. We take that time nonetheless, it’s in our palms.
“[We] didn’t count on them to defend so deep. Defensively we have been so good however sadly we missed the final actions.
“That time was actually necessary.”
Defender Ruben Dias was extra emphatic in his critique of Southampton.
“It’s irritating to play towards a crew like them. They don’t even attempt to play, simply losing time the entire recreation,” Dias stated.
“I don’t even really feel like they wish to play the sport or win the sport. They’re simply sitting round. We tried each method. We had possibilities however we didn’t rating. It’s what it’s.”
Haaland performed the total recreation on his return as Metropolis sought a decisive purpose, the significance of that quest for a break within the impasse resulting in a change in Guardiola’s plan.
Guardiola added: “He [Haaland] didn’t count on to play as any minutes however the best way the sport was performed we would have liked individuals within the field.”
