Guardiola Thinks Premier League Top-Four Race Will Go Down to the Wire After Southampton Draw

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes the fight for Premier League top-four spots will be decided on the last day after his team’s 0-0 draw against Southampton.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester City were held to a goalless draw at St. Mary’s by a Southampton side already relegated before kick-off. City dominated possession but failed to break through a determined Saints defence. The result is a setback for City, who are battling to secure a Champions League spot with just three league games remaining. Guardiola, speaking after the match, was clear: “For sure the top-four places in the Premier League will go down to the last day.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Manchester City have struggled recently, with the draw at Southampton making qualification for next season’s Champions League more difficult. The team currently sits fourth in the table, just one point above fifth-placed Spurs and three ahead of sixth-placed Newcastle. The point was also crucial for Southampton as it prevented them from setting a new club record for home defeats in a single season. Injuries and squad rotation have disrupted City’s rhythm, with key players like De Bruyne and Walker missing matches or limited to substitute appearances. With three matches left, City cannot afford more slip-ups as the gap between the teams in the top five remains razor thin.

WHAT NEXT?

Manchester City next face Brighton at home in a crucial fixture. Brighton, sitting seventh, are also chasing a European qualification spot and are just four points behind City. Spurs and Newcastle, City’s closest rivals for a Champions League spot, will both play teams from the bottom half of the table in their next matches. City need a win to maintain their small advantage in the race for the top four. With only three matches left, every point is vital as the Premier League’s top-four race looks set to go down to a dramatic final day.