The game had a training ground feel to it, with Manchester City dominating possession but struggling to create scoring opportunities. They were unable to find their rhythm in the final third, and it took 32 minutes for them to fire their first shot on goal. Even then, it was from a free kick, with Kevin De Bruyne's effort just missing the crossbar.

Given that Southampton has conceded a lot of goals this season, City's struggles in the first half were unexpected. At halftime, Southampton was halfway to securing the point they needed to avoid the unwanted record.

Pep Guardiola made a change at halftime, bringing on Jeremy Doku, but it didn't change the flow of the game. City was doing all the work, but creating few chances.

Doku was involved in City's best chance, cutting the ball back for Bernardo Silva, but Jack Stephens made a heroic block to prevent a goal. City's hopes of a late winner were growing slim, and it seemed like it wasn't their day.

In the end, City's late pressure was not enough, and Southampton held on for a crucial point. They achieved their goal of avoiding the unwanted record, and City's hopes of finishing in the top five remain alive but precarious.

Southampton's Jan Bednarek was the standout player in the match.