Pep Guardiola's huge mistake! Man City boss admits realising major error only 10 minutes into disappointing draw at relegated Southampton

City's run of four consecutive Premier League wins was halted by the Saints, who were relegated last month and went into the game on the joint-worst points tally in the league's history. But caretaker manager Simon Rusk devised an ultra-defensive tactical plan which City had no response to. And Guardiola has admitted he was taken by surprise by the opponent's game-plan.

Guardiola told BBC Radio Manchester: "We cannot control what the opponent decides, we have to accept it. And breaking them belongs to us. They want to do it in that way, being relegated, so, what can I say? I didn’t expect it, and after 10, 15 minutes I said we need wingers here in that game because we could not expect the game we were playing. And it is what it is."

Guardiola had fielded a 4-2-3-1 shape with James McAtee and Phil Foden as attacking midfielders but they could not get around Southampton's cagey set-up, prompting the coach to take McAtee off at half-time and thrown on winger Jeremy Doku. It led to a better second-half display from City although they still had to settle for a draw, leaving their push for a top-five finish to ensure Champions League football in the balance.

City became only the fourth team to fail to win at St Mary's this season along with Everton, Ipswich and Crystal Palace. The draw meant Southampton moved on to 12 points and ensured that Derby County will remain the team with the worst points total in Premier League history, taking only 11 points in the 2007-08 season.

City have a week to prepare for the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace which would add some shine to their worst season since Guardiola became coach in 2016. They then host Bournemouth in their final home game before visiting Fulham in their last match, hoping to stay in the top five and qualify for the Champions League for a 16th consecutive season.