Relegated Southampton managed to secure a goalless draw against a lifeless Manchester City at St Mary’s Stadium.
City could have moved level on points with second-placed Arsenal with a victory, but instead delivered a disappointing performance in attack just a week before their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.
Although they remain in third place, the dropped points on the south coast could be costly in the tight race for a top-five finish and a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Erling Haaland returned from injury but had little impact, as Pep Guardiola’s side played at a slow pace against a well-organized Southampton defense, appearing uninspired for most of the match.
Defender Manuel Akanji headed the ball wide from a corner, and Bernardo Silva had a shot cleared off the line by Saints captain Jack Stephens.
Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was only seriously challenged in the final minutes when he made a crucial save on a header from Ruben Dias, and Omar Marmoush came close to scoring with a long-range shot that hit the crossbar.
However, there were cheers from the dedicated home crowd at the final whistle as the hosts celebrated just their third clean sheet of the season.
