Manchester City Strengthen Top Five Push, Southampton Salvage Late Equalizer
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City climbed to fourth place in the Premier League with a crucial 2-0 win at Everton, while Southampton’s dramatic late equalizer at West Ham ensured they avoided the embarrassment of holding the lowest points total in Premier League history.
City Edge Closer to Champions League Qualification
City’s victory at Goodison Park was pivotal as they fought hard for the three points. After heading towards a frustrating draw, a stunning 84th-minute strike by Nico O’Reilly gave City the lead, and Mateo Kovacic sealed the win in the final seconds.
With the three points, City now sit in fourth place, four points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea, who have a game in hand against Fulham on Sunday. Fifth-placed Nottingham Forest, who face Tottenham on Monday, are one point behind City.
Despite their recent struggles, City remain on track for a Champions League spot after a challenging season. O’Reilly’s goal, following a low cross from Matheus Nunes, came as a breakthrough moment for the 20-year-old midfielder, who had already scored in recent victories against Crystal Palace and Plymouth. Kovacic wrapped up the victory, guiding a pass from Ilkay Gundogan into the bottom corner.
Guardiola reflected on the significance of the win, especially considering Liverpool and Arsenal both dropped points at Goodison Park earlier this season. He emphasized that with three home games and two away games left, City’s Champions League qualification is in their hands.
Southampton’s Late Drama at West Ham
Relegated Southampton earned a 1-1 draw at West Ham, ensuring they won’t go down in history as the Premier League club with the lowest-ever points total. Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring for the Hammers in the 47th minute, holding off Ryan Manning before firing past Aaron Ramsdale.
However, Southampton found an equalizer in dramatic fashion when Lesley Ugochukwu scored in stoppage-time, blasting the ball past Alphonse Areola to make it 1-1. Southampton now have 11 points, matching Derby’s record from the 2007-08 season, and with five games remaining, they are fighting to avoid setting a new low for Premier League points.
Brentford’s Win Hurts Brighton’s European Hopes
Brentford beat 10-man Brighton 4-2 to dent the Seagulls’ hopes of qualifying for Europe. Thomas Frank’s side took the lead in the 9th minute through Bryan Mbeumo, who slotted home a precise pass from Lewis Keane-Potter.
Brighton leveled in stoppage-time of the first half, with Danny Welbeck powering a header past Brentford goalkeeper David Raya. However, Mbeumo restored Brentford’s lead just after the break, with a deflected shot off Brighton’s Lewis Dunk.
Yoane Wissa extended Brentford’s advantage in the 58th minute, aided by a deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke. Brighton’s Joao Pedro was sent off in the 61st minute for a reckless kick at Nathan Collins, and although Kaoru Mitoma pulled one back for Brighton in the 81st minute, Christian Norgaard’s stoppage-time header secured the win for Brentford.
Palace Hold On with 10 Men
Crystal Palace played half the match with 10 men but still managed to hold Bournemouth to a goalless draw. Palace were reduced to 10 men just before halftime when Chris Richards was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Justin Kluivert.
Looking Ahead to Champions League Push
Newcastle, in third place, will look to further their Champions League qualification hopes when they travel to Aston Villa in Saturday’s late game.