Erling Haaland endures tough return as Manchester City held 0 0 by Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON – Erling Haaland had a muted comeback to English Premier League action for third-placed Manchester City, as his team drew 0-0 with bottom-side Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on May 10.

The Norwegian striker had been out for nearly six weeks with an ankle injury suffered in March.

On paper, it should have been the ideal game for Haaland – who came into the match on 120 goals from 138 games for City, including 30 from 40 this term – to return, with the relegated Saints enduring a woeful campaign.

But the 24-year-old’s rustiness was evident as he had little impact on the game, having come into the starting XI in place of Omar Marmoush – one of five changes to the side who beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 on May 2.

He ended the match with one shot, two chances created and just 17 touches.

City manager Pep Guardiola told the BBC: “Difficult. We had chances but, unfortunately, couldn’t score. (Southampton were) playing to defend and defend and defend and waste time.

“We take that point still, it’s in our hands. Didn’t expect them to defend so deep. Defensive we were so good but, unfortunately, we missed the last actions.

“He (Haaland) didn’t expect to play as any minutes but the way the game was played, we needed people in the box. That point was really important.”

Haaland’s best moments came late on. In the 78th minute, he barrelled into the box and squared the ball to midfielder Nico O’Reilly, but the substitute could not adjust his body to connect with the ball in front of a gaping goal.

Five minutes later, Haaland did well to head captain Kevin de Bruyne’s cross back into the centre of the box. But winger Savinho’s shot was saved by Southampton goalkeeper Aaron