 |
| APYonhap News |
|
 |
| ReutersYonhap News |
|
'The Returned Monster' Manchester City did not win despite Erling Holan's return.
Manchester City drew 0-0 against Southampton in the 36th round of the English Premier League (EPL) in 2024-2025 season at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton, England on the 11th (Korea time).
Third-place Manchester City (65 points) won only one point in the game, and is on the verge of allowing the pursuit of fourth-place Newcastle (63 points) and fifth-place Chelsea (63 points), who have played one less game. Southampton, at the bottom of the league, have already confirmed their relegation, but have shown their potential to win one point against Manchester City.
For Manchester City, Holan returned to the starting line-up ahead of the game. Holan was expected to be out of the season after his injury in March, but he returned just before the end of the season with better-than-expected resilience and will return to play against Southampton. For Manchester City, Holan was at the forefront of the 4-2-3-1 formation, and Phil Foden, Kevin DeBrowner and James McAtee stepped up for the second line. Matteo Kovacic and Bernardu Silva worked together for the third term. The four backs consisted of Yosuko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Hoobeng Diash and Rico Lewis. Ederson, the goalkeeper, kept it.
Southampton fought back in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Kamaldin Sulemana was on the front line, Tyler Dibling and Matheus Fernandez were on the second line. Leslie Ugochuku and Flynn Downs stepped up in the midfield. The wing-backs were built by James Bree and Wellington, while the three-backs were built by Tyler Halwood-Belly, Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephen. The goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Aaron Ramsdale.
 |
| EPAYonhap News |
|
 |
| ReutersYonhap News |
|
Despite Hallan's return, Manchester City failed to break the frustrating trend of '0' throughout the first half. In the 32nd minute of the first half, Dubrowner's shot in the free kick situation went over the post a little bit. After that, Manchester City continued to hold the ball and lead the game near the Southampton box, but the score was not scored.
Even in the second half, this trend did not reverse significantly. In the 13th minute of the second half, Silva caught the ball in the box and had a good chance, but after a moment of hesitation, it was blocked by the cover of the defense. In the 16th minute of the second half, Foden's cross after seeing Holan in a free kick situation could not reach Holan's feet.
 |
| AFP Yonhap News |
|
Man City missed a golden opportunity. In the 20th minute of the second half, McAtee's shot, which received a cutback pass attempted by Doku from the right, crossed the goal line just before Stephen cleared it to overcome the crisis. In the 31st minute of the second half, Holan caught the ball and broke through deep to the left side of the box, and a low and fast cross that he tried led to the door. Núñez and Savinho, who were rushing, failed to touch the ball properly in front of an empty goal and failed to score. In the second half of extra time, Omar Marmusi's shot, which was replaced, hit the post and bowed his head.
Manchester City spent a lot of time in the Southampton box until just before the end, continuing to seek opportunities, but their shots were repeatedly blocked by Southampton's defence and Ramsdale's side.
In the end, the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
