Erling Haaland endures tough return as Manchester City held 0-0 by Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON – Erling Haaland had a muted comeback to English Premier League action for third-placed Manchester City, as his team drew 0-0 with bottom-side Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on May 10.

The Norwegian striker had been out for nearly six weeks with an ankle injury suffered in March.

On paper, it should have been the ideal game for Haaland – who came into the match on 120 goals from 138 games for City, including 30 from 40 this term – to return, with the relegated Saints enduring a woeful campaign.

But the 24-year-old’s rustiness was evident as he had little impact on the game, having come into the starting XI in place of Omar Marmoush – one of five changes to the side who beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 on May 2.

He ended the match with one shot, two chances created and just 17 touches.

City manager Pep Guardiola told the BBC: “Difficult. We had chances but, unfortunately, couldn’t score. (Southampton were) playing to defend and defend and defend and waste time.

“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.

“He (Haaland) didn’t expect to play as any minutes but the way the game was played, we needed people in the box. That point was really important.”

Haaland’s best moments came late on. In the 78th minute, he barrelled into the box and squared the ball to midfielder Nico O’Reilly, but the substitute could not adjust his body to connect with the ball in front of a gaping goal.

Five minutes later, Haaland did well to head captain Kevin de Bruyne’s cross back into the centre of the box. But winger Savinho’s shot was saved by Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Ramsdale was at hand a minute later when he kept out centre-back Ruben Dias’ header.

One minute into added time, substitute Marmoush had City’s last good chance when the Egyptian forward picked up a loose ball in the box and rattled the crossbar from a tight angle.

Said Ramsdale: “Everyone knows it’s been a difficult season for us. That one was for the fans and also the lads who have given everything. A lot of Mondays coming in after heavy defeats. Today is a relief.”

Veteran defender Jack Stephens, 31, added: “We feel quite solid and comfortable in that shape. We got it wrong at Leicester (City, a 2-0 loss) last week. Maybe we felt we could be more expansive. We went back to basics today.”

Aside from that late flurry, City were disappointing as their four-game winning run, their joint-longest streak in the Premier League this season, came to a halt.

They created little in the first half, with de Bruyne’s 32nd-minute free kick which went over their best chance of the opening stanza.

Guardiola’s side were more positive in the second half, with substitute Jeremy Doku’s direct dribbling giving City’s stodgy attack more verve. On 67 minutes, the Belgian winger did well on the flank before cutting the ball back to midfielder Bernardo Silva, whose shot was cleared off the line by Stephens.

The result means Newcastle United or Chelsea can overtake City, should either win their clash at St James’ Park on May 11.

Nottingham Forest can move within one point of City in the chase for a top-five spot and Champions League football next season if they can overcome the Foxes at the City Ground on May 11.

The result was also of significance for the Saints, as they moved to 12 points, ensuring they no longer share the ignominy of being the joint-worst team in Premier League history. Derby County’s 2007-08 vintage ended the season on 11 points.

Said Ramsdale: “We’re not happy about how the season has gone, but we’re happy we’ve avoided that record. We’re under no illusions that it’s not a great points tally.”

Stephens added: “It’s nice to get that off our backs. We’re obviously still very disappointed with how the season has gone. We’ve not been good enough. It’s about giving these supporters hope going into the new season.”