Phil Foden dismal as Jeremy Doku shines – Man City player ratings vs Southampton
Man City saw their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffer a blow after they were held to a goalless draw by the Premier League’s bottom side Southampton at St Mary’s.
Pep Guardiola‘s side went into the game looking for a sixth straight win to go level on points with second placed Arsenal in the Premier League table.
However, the outgoing Premier League champions would be frustrated as they struggled to offer much of a threat in a goalless first half.
While they continued to put the pressure on after the break, the visitors were unable to make the breakthrough, and were forced to settle for a goalless draw with Southampton, who moved clear of 2008-era Derby’s worst ever Premier League points total.
| Man City last five games | Result |
| Everton (A) | Won 2-0 |
| Aston Villa (H) | Won 2-1 |
| Nottingham Forest (N) | Won 2-0 |
| Wolves (H) | Won 1-0 |
| Southampton (A) | Drew 0-0 |
Here is how Football Insider rated the performances of the Man City squad in that clash with the Saints on Saturday (10 May).
Man City let Southampton escape Derby ignominy
Ederson – 6
Had almost nothing to do all game as Man City dominated possession but struggled for a breakthrough.
Rico Lewis (off for O’Reilly, ’76) – 5
Was largely untroubled defensively but given the way this game went would have wanted to make more of an impact in attack.
Manuel Akanji – 5
Akanji returned to the Man City lineup after a long injury layoff and did well at the back, but couldn’t make the most of some free headers from set-pieces.
Ruben Dias – 6
Another who simply did not have a lot to do from a defensive perspective as his side put the pressure on in search of an opener.
Manuel Akanji has a mixed return
Josko Gvardiol – 6
Got forward well to begin with but his involvement seemed to diminish. Didnt have much to worry about in defence.
Bernardo Silva – 7
At least had one or two moments where he looked like making something happen. Had a shot cleared off the line and played in a couple of dangerous crosses.
Mateo Kovacic (off for Marmoush, ’86) – 6
Did well enough in midfield but only had one real chance in front of goal which he didn’t get anywhere near enough behind.
Silva lacked supporting performances in City midfield
James McAtee (off for Doku, ’46) – 4
A frustrating afternoon for the young attacker who simply posed no threat in a game he would have seen as an opportunity to catch the eye.
Kevin De Buryne – 5
The outgoing De Bruyne got the winner against Wolves last weekend. This weekend though his efforts were largely weak and his passing didn’t create the chances it so often does.
Phil Foden (off for Savinho, ’76) – 3
Shadow of his former self. This was another tough afternoon in a difficult season for the England international, who struggled to get many openings and wasted the ones he did.
Erling Haaland – 6
Haaland is another making his comeback from injury for Man City, and while he didn’t get many opening of his own, it is hard to know how O’Reilly or Savinho didn’t turn in his ball across goal.
Haaland draws blank on injury return
Substitutes
Jeremy Doku (on for McAtee, ’46) – 8 – Player of the Match
Sharpest weapon on the day. Added some pace and impetus to actually ensure Man City looked like they might find a breakthrough in the second half. Gave James Bree plenty to think about at right-back.
Savinho (on for Foden, ’76) – 6
Might have got to Haaland’s pull-back had O’Reilly not been in the way, was at least more involved than others after that.
Nico O’Reilly (on for Lewis, ’76) – 4
O’Reilly has been a revelation for Man City this season but missed a huge sitter just moments after coming on here.
Omar Marmoush (on for Kovacic, ’86) – 7
Saw some decent openings after coming on late, including one really good effort that came back off the crossbar, added something upfront for his side.