LONDON — The race for Champions League qualification intensified on Saturday as Manchester City were held to a surprising 0-0 draw by bottom club Southampton, while Aston Villa edged closer with a 1-0 win at Bournemouth.

Despite 26 shots and the return of Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola’s third-placed City couldn’t break down a deep-defending Southampton, missing a chance to catch second-placed Arsenal. City remain in a strong position but are now just two points ahead of Villa, who moved to 63 points thanks to Ollie Watkins' record-breaking goal.

Watkins’ strike just before halftime made him Villa's all-time top Premier League scorer. Jacob Ramsey was later sent off, but Villa held on as keeper Emiliano Martinez made crucial late saves.

Elsewhere, Brentford and Brighton kept their European hopes alive with wins over Ipswich and Wolves respectively. Everton beat Fulham 3-1 to secure a comfortable mid-table finish.

Key clashes on Sunday include Newcastle vs Chelsea and Liverpool vs Arsenal, with several teams still vying for coveted European spots.