Context:

Manchester City's aspirations for Champions League qualification have been jeopardized following a surprising 0-0 draw against Southampton, a team already relegated and at the bottom of the Premier League standings. Despite the return of star striker Erling Haaland, City's performance was lackluster, leaving them in a precarious position with only two league games remaining. While City remains in third place, the draw has reduced their lead over Newcastle and Chelsea to just two points, with other teams like Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa still in contention. Southampton, on the other hand, managed to avoid being labeled the worst Premier League team by surpassing Derby County's record low points total. Meanwhile, Brentford and Brighton, tied for points, are vying for eighth place and a spot in the Conference League with recent victories bolstering their standings.

Dive Deeper:

• Manchester City, aiming for a top-five finish to enter the Champions League, was held to a 0-0 draw by Southampton, the last-placed team in the Premier League, putting their qualification hopes in jeopardy. Erling Haaland's return from injury did not inspire a victory in what has been a disappointing season for the team.

• With two league matches remaining, City's position in the standings is insecure, as they are only two points ahead of Newcastle and Chelsea, who will face each other soon. Nottingham Forest is also in contention, trailing City by just four points.

• Southampton celebrated the draw as it allowed them to surpass the lowest points total in a Premier League season, a record held by Derby County from the 2007-08 season. This avoided them being labeled the worst team in Premier League history.

• Brentford and Brighton, both chasing a spot in the Conference League, achieved victories on Saturday, keeping them tied in points and ahead of Bournemouth and Fulham. Brentford won against Ipswich with a goal from Kevin Schade, while Brighton defeated Wolverhampton with goals from Danny Welbeck and Brajan Gruda.

• Manchester City's recent slump in form, including this draw, follows an earlier stretch of poor results that knocked them out of contention for the Premier League title and the Champions League, despite a brief resurgence with four consecutive wins.

• Pep Guardiola expressed a cautious optimism by stating that qualification for the Champions League is still within City's control, but the upcoming matches against Bournemouth and Fulham are now crucial for securing their European competition aspirations.

• The draw at Southampton has revived concerns about City's ability to maintain their position in the league, especially with the pressure of upcoming games that could determine their European future.